Why It Matters

Disaster Management Group LLC is racing to capture a slice of a rapidly expanding detention infrastructure market. Congress is funneling unprecedented sums—billions annually—into immigration detention capacity, creating a gold rush for contractors. But DMG faces a critical challenge: the market is already dominated by giants like GEO Group and CoreCivic, while Democratic scrutiny creates political risk. DMG’s strategy is to position "temporary facilities" as a nimble alternative to permanent detention centers—a differentiated pitch aimed at navigating both budget debates and accountability pressures.

By the Numbers

Disaster Management Group LLC launched federal lobbying efforts in January 2025, spending $300,000 total across five disclosures—$90,000 this quarter alone. The company works exclusively with Atlas Crossing LLC, maintaining consistent focus on "temporary facilities" and border security funding.

DMG assembled a specialized five-person lobbying team with deep Republican House connections. Three lobbyists—Christopher Eddowes, Alexis Oberg, and Sean Joyce—have previously lobbied on immigration facilities. Jennifer Lackey Belair brings 16+ years of House experience, while Alex Bolton served as chief of staff to a House Republican.

All five disclosures target H.R. 4213, the DHS appropriations bill, representing an unchanging lobbying approach since entering federal advocacy.

The Agenda

DMG is lobbying to secure federal funding for temporary immigration detention facilities, specifically targeting the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 4213), which allocates billions for DHS operations including procurement and construction contracts.

The company’s focus on "temporary facilities" represents a narrow niche designed to differentiate DMG from larger operators like CoreCivic and GEO Group, which operate permanent detention facilities.

Broader Context

Congress is debating legislation to expand detention capacity, including the CLEAR Act and ALCATRAZ Act, while congressional hearings have highlighted wasteful spending on unused detention beds, creating openings for DMG to pitch temporary infrastructure as more cost-effective.

The FY2026 budget approves $4.4 billion for 50,000 ICE detention beds, with plans to add 41,000 additional beds including temporary structures.

This expansion coincides with growing scrutiny. The DHS Inspector General documented ICE spending $17 million on unused hotel space, while Senator Chris Murphy objected to transferring over $430 million from FEMA to cover ICE overspending.

Democratic resistance is mounting despite Republican control. Representatives have filed lawsuits to gain oversight access, with lawmakers calling for investigations as 23 people have died in ICE custody.

The detention market remains consolidated. GEO Group and CoreCivic spent $1.77 million and $1.38 million respectively on 2024 lobbying, dwarfing DMG’s $300,000.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively funding massive detention expansion. The House Appropriations Committee approved H.R. 4213, allocating $4.4 billion for 50,000 ICE beds, while the CLEAR Act authorizes increased federal space.

Multiple hearings are scrutinizing operations. House and Senate are marking up the FY2026 DHS budget, while a subcommittee examined DHS paying $17 million for unused bed space.

Democratic oversight intensifies amid expansion. Representatives have filed lawsuits for facility access and condemned DHS for blocking visits.

Competitive Landscape

CoreCivic and GEO Group dominate the detention space, both lobbying on DHS appropriations for privately-operated facilities. Their combined $3.15 million in 2024 lobbying spending vastly exceeds DMG’s $300,000.

DMG is carving out a niche around "temporary facilities" rather than competing directly with permanent operators. This positioning may avoid political backlash facing permanent expansions, particularly as Democrats mount oversight of conditions and budgets.

The Bottom Line

DMG is pursuing a focused campaign to secure federal funding for temporary immigration detention infrastructure, investing $300,000 through experienced lobbyists targeting the DHS Appropriations Act.

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