Why was the order reversed?

With the federal prison population expected to fall under sentencingreform policies supported by both Democrats and Republicans until 2016, the need for private prisons was reduced. But Attorney General Jeff Sessions swept into office on a pledge to lock up more people by reinstating mandatory minimum sentences for drug possession and other low-level offenses. “We are returning to the enforcement of the laws as passed by Congress, plain and simple,” Sessions said. He said phasing out the use of private prisons “impaired the bureau’s ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system.” The Trump administration’s crackdown on unauthorized immigration also played a major role in the decision.