A company providing services for immigrants in federal detention has been ordered to pay more than $811 million in restitution and penalties following a lawsuit alleging deceptive and abusive practices. The judgement, filed in federal court for the Western District of Virginia, mandates Nexus Services to pay roughly $231 million in restitution, along with penalties of $13.8 million to New York, $7.1 million to Virginia, and $3.4 million to Massachusetts. Additionally, the company, its subsidiary Libre by Nexus, and its three executives are each required to pay more than $111 million in civil penalties.
New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized that the judgement is a victory for thousands of immigrant families who were exploited by Libre. The lawsuit, joined by state attorneys general in Virginia and Massachusetts and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, accused the company of violating state and federal consumer protection laws.
The company allegedly promised to secure immigrants' release on bond during immigration claim processing but concealed the true nature and costs of its services. It was reported that Nexus Services collected excessive fees above bond face values and mandated immigrants to wear uncomfortable ankle monitors.
U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon highlighted that the company is not a licensed bail bond agent or a certified surety company but rather an intermediary service provider for immigration detainees and sureties. Despite the judgement, the company plans to appeal, denouncing the decision as a departure from normal jurisprudence, lacking evidence, trial, and damages hearing.
In a statement, the company expressed its commitment to serving clients striving for a better life, condemning the use of immigrants as political pawns in legislative or courtroom settings.
