Concerns Raised Over Major Detention Center’s Operations
The Government Accountability Office has flagged serious issues at the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in the nation. A recent report reveals that Camp East Montana, situated at Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, has lost loaded firearms, neglected to provide medical care for detainees with chronic health conditions, and failed to screen immigrants for tuberculosis.
Investigation uncovers significant oversight challenges
An investigation by the Congressional Oversight Agency categorized the situation at Camp East Montana as experiencing “significant performance and oversight challenges.” Alarmingly, the report claims that evidence regarding a detainee’s death has been lost or destroyed. Initially ruled a “presumed suicide,” a local coroner subsequently classified the case as a homicide, prompting ongoing inquiries by the FBI and the Inspector General.
Facility faced deadly incidents soon after opening
The facility, which began operations in August, has encountered numerous troubles, including a fatal construction accident that resulted in the deaths of three detainees—one of whom was ruled to have been murdered. Additionally, there have been outbreaks of both tuberculosis and measles within its population.
ICE fails to meet contract obligations
The GAO report highlighted that ICE has not adhered to contract requirements since taking over management of Camp East Montana from the Army last October. ICE itself identified considerable issues at the facility, issuing eight discrepancy reports, including one oversight report that underscored persistent performance problems. These discrepancy reports formally document operational failures, requiring corrective actions from the facility operator.
Serious health risks and noncompliance revealed
In January 2026, a contracted security guard reportedly lost a loaded firearm within the facility, and ICE officials noted that, despite rigorous searches, the weapon had not been recovered by March 2026. Furthermore, a separate ICE report indicated that contractors failed to conduct mandatory tuberculosis tests, choosing instead to rely on symptom questionnaires. This decision potentially placed noncitizen tuberculosis patients in proximity to the general population.
Lack of medical care for detainees raises alarms
Further compounding the concerns, a December evaluation by the ICE Health Services Corps revealed that the contractor overlooked necessary follow-up medical examinations. This neglect meant that detainees with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or HIV, did not have treatment plans in place, contravening national detention standards.
Contractor dismissed amid rising scrutiny
This troubling series of findings led ICE to terminate its contract with Acquisition Logistics, LLC, the facility’s operator, in mid-March. The company has no prior experience managing immigration detention centers, and evidence suggests the business has been operated from the CEO’s private residence. Acquisition Logistics did not respond to inquiries about the report.
Legal action taken amid continued criticisms
The report further implicates both the Army and the Department of Homeland Security in the ongoing challenges at Camp East Montana, suggesting these agencies should reassess their acquisition strategies for future immigration detention efforts. The situation has prompted legal action, with the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations filing a lawsuit against ICE over allegations of inhumane conditions, including medical neglect and unsanitary living environments.
Government response and calls for reform
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security responded by stating that ICE is actively working to improve conditions at its detention facilities. This includes transitioning to a new contractor expected to enhance medical care and oversight at Camp East Montana. Meanwhile, Texas Representative Veronica Escobar has called for the facility’s closure, urging that oversight and accountability measures be enforced to address the troubling findings reported.
