If you talk to any immigrants who have been in those private prisons, the horror stories are even more compelling than the data.

The stories are about being herded into spaces far too small for humans, enduring constant hunger, extreme thirst in overheated conditions, stench from unwashed bodies.

The stories will focus on guards treating people with depraved inhumanity, mocking suffering, worsening conditions that are already terrible.

You’ll hear about inmates punished severely for doing nothing more than trying to contact their families and their lawyers.

You won’t think you’re hearing about the United States, you’ll think you’re hearing about depravity that happens or happened elsewhere and elsewhen in history.

You probably won’t believe the stories.

The trouble is they’re true and we’re doing it.