The company Nexus Services, which provides services for immigrants in federal detention, was ordered to pay more than $811 million in restitution and penalties in a lawsuit alleging deceptive and abusive tactics. This judgement was filed in federal court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg. The Virginia-based company, along with its subsidiary Libre by Nexus and its three executives, must pay restitution of $231 million and civil penalties totaling $111 million each. New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with state attorneys general in Virginia and Massachusetts and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, filed the lawsuit in 2021, accusing the company of violating state and federal consumer protection laws.
The lawsuit alleged that Nexus Services promised to secure immigrants’ release on bond while their immigration claims were being processed, but concealed and misrepresented the true nature and costs of its services. The company was accused of collecting thousands of dollars in fees above the face value of the bonds and forcing immigrants to wear painful ankle monitors. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon noted in her decision that the company was not a licensed bail bond agent or a surety company certified by the U.S. Treasury, but rather a service provider that acted as an intermediary between immigration detainees and sureties and their bond agents.
Nexus Services has stated its intention to appeal the judgement, calling it a “shocking departure from normal American jurisprudence.” The company argued that the judgement was made without evidence, a trial, or a damages hearing. Despite the ruling, Nexus Services maintained its commitment to serving its clients, stating that they are individuals who are seeking a better life and should not be used as political pawns in the American legal system. The company’s statement indicated their determination to continue supporting those who suffer and sacrifice in pursuit of a better life.
New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated the judgement as a victory for thousands of immigrant families who were targeted and preyed upon by Libre, a subsidiary of Nexus Services. She condemned the company for exploiting vulnerable immigrants and their families to profit, deeming their actions illegal and unconscionable. Alongside the state attorneys general in Virginia and Massachusetts and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, James highlighted the deceptive and abusive tactics employed by Nexus Services and its affiliates, emphasizing the need for accountability and restitution for those affected by the company’s actions.
The judgement against Nexus Services is a significant milestone in holding companies accountable for deceptive practices targeted at vulnerable populations, such as immigrants in federal detention. The financial penalties imposed on the company, its subsidiary, and its executives serve as a deterrent to other entities engaging in similar misconduct. The ruling sends a clear message that deceptive and abusive tactics will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face severe consequences. Moving forward, it is crucial for regulatory agencies and law enforcement to continue monitoring and enforcing consumer protection laws to prevent such exploitation and ensure justice for those affected.
