Full Breakdown
GAO Report Highlights Mismanagement at ICE’s Largest Detention Center, Camp East Montana
6/10/2026, 9:39:57 AM
Core Findings
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found failures at Camp East Montana, an ICE detention facility. Issues include a lost loaded firearm, inadequate tuberculosis screening, no treatment for detainees with diabetes or HIV, and three deaths in six months. Report documented millions wasted on meals and services while the camp operated far below its 5,000-person capacity.
Background
Camp East Montana opened in August 2025 on Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, under a $1.3 billion contract to Acquisition Logistics LLC, firm with no detention-center experience. Fast-tracked construction bypassed standard inspections.
Data & Statistics
The 5,000-person camp has averaged about 1,600 occupants. GAO recorded deaths, tuberculosis cases, a measles outbreak, and 18 COVID-19 cases. Waste includes $11 million on guards, medical services and transport, and $5 million on meals ($423,000 in early 2026, $7.1 million after Oct 2025). A guard lost a loaded firearm in Jan 2026 that remained unrecovered by March.
Why It Matters
The failures threaten detainee health, waste taxpayer funds, and expose gaps in oversight of immigration-detention contracts. Lawsuits and congressional scrutiny could reshape procurement and operational standards for future detention facilities.
Official Statements
DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis said a new contractor will “allow Camp East Montana to continue abiding by the highest detention standards with more on-site medical care.” ICE said the facility is “upgrading” with “more oversight of contractors.” The Army and DHS acknowledged their acquisition decisions “contributed to serious challenges” and pledged to apply lessons.
Criticism & Opposition
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) called the findings “a confirmation of alarms about inhumane conditions.” Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) called the report “damning” and condemned the deportation policy. ACLU and partners sued ICE, alleging medical neglect, disease outbreaks, unsanitary conditions, and force.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For example, none of the detained noncitizens with diabetes or HIV had treatment plans in place,” — GAO investigation
- “Both the Army and DHS made decisions that contributed to the serious challenges at Camp East Montana,” — GAO report
- “ICE is always looking at ways to improve our detention facilities to ensure we are providing the best care to illegal aliens in our custody,” — ICE spokesperson
- “These are huge discrepancies in their failure to prevent suicides,” — Randall Kallinen, attorney for Victor Manuel Diaz’s family
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the death count—some cite two deaths, others three. Meal-waste figures vary between a $5 million total and $423,000 and $7.1 million amounts. Geraldo Lunas Campos’ death shifted from suicide to homicide, with the GAO noting missing or destroyed evidence.
What’s Next
The FBI and Office of Professional Responsibility continue criminal investigations into Campos’ death. ICE has hired a new contractor, and the GAO recommends flexible contracts, stricter quality-assurance plans, oversight. Pending litigation may trigger federal review of detention-center practices.
