Full Breakdown
Major Violations Found at Camp East Montana Immigration Detention Facility
4/3/2026, 2:06:50 AM
Overview of Inspection Findings
A recent inspection at Camp East Montana, the largest immigration detention facility in the United States, revealed 49 violations of national standards, raising serious concerns about detainee safety and care. Conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Office of Detention Oversight over three days in February, the report highlights issues including excessive force, inadequate medical care, and security lapses. This inspection is particularly notable as it is the first released since the camp's opening last summer.
Context of Detainee Conditions
Camp East Montana, located in El Paso, Texas, typically houses nearly 3,000 detainees daily, most of whom are awaiting deportation or transfer. U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, who has visited the facility multiple times, described the inspection findings as merely "a drop in the bucket" of the systemic issues present. She expressed concerns that conditions may be intentionally poor to pressure detainees into self-deportation, stating, "ICE is completely uninterested in really creating any change or holding the contractor accountable."
Safety and Medical Care Issues
The inspection report detailed numerous safety violations, including inadequate monitoring to prevent self-harm and suicide, which have been significant issues at the facility. Notably, a detainee escaped due to insufficient perimeter surveillance. Medical staff failed to isolate a detainee showing tuberculosis symptoms, and responses to grievances regarding medical care were delayed, taking between six and 14 business days. Despite these serious deficiencies, the report ultimately rated the camp as "acceptable/adequate" and recommended collaboration with the new contractor, Amentum Services, to address outstanding issues.
Changes in Management
Following the inspection, ICE replaced the previous contractor, Acquisition Logistics LLC, with Amentum Services on March 12. The change comes amid intense scrutiny over the camp's conditions, with Amentum's nearly $453 million no-bid contract expected to enhance medical care and staffing levels. An ICE spokesperson indicated that the new contract would lead to improved oversight and care for detainees.
Criticism and Responses
Critics have been vocal about the findings, with attorney Randall Kallinen labeling the report as "scathing" and asserting that the facility poses significant dangers to detainees. He pointed out that the number of deficiencies found at Camp East Montana is unusually high compared to other inspections conducted this year. In contrast, ICE maintains that the new management will bring necessary improvements, although skepticism remains among lawmakers and advocates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This report is scathing. Camp East Montana gets an F,” — Randall Kallinen, Attorney
- “ She said detainees have consistently complained of medical neglect and other problems.” — U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar
- “ICE is completely uninterested in really creating any change or holding the contractor accountable,” — U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar
Conclusion
The findings from the inspection of Camp East Montana underscore significant concerns regarding the treatment and safety of detainees within the facility. As ICE transitions to new management, the effectiveness of these changes in addressing the documented deficiencies remains to be seen.
