In brief
An inspection at Camp East Montana, the largest immigration detention facility in the U.S., uncovered numerous violations that jeopardize the safety and health of detainees. The report, which identified 49 deficiencies, highlighted concerns over excessive force, inadequate medical care, and overall unsafe conditions. Activists and lawmakers are calling for increased oversight and accountability from ICE and the new contractor, following complaints of neglect and hazardous environments.
A recent inspection at the nation’s largest immigration detention facility revealed dozens of violations that potentially expose detainees to excessive force, disease, and unsafe conditions.
The inspection was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Detention Oversight over three days in February at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. According to a report released by ICE this week, a total of 49 deficiencies were documented, including issues with the use of force, medical care, and security.
Attorney Criticizes Conditions
Attorney Randall Kallinen, representing a family of a detainee who tragically died at the facility, described the report as 'scathing', stating, 'Camp East Montana gets an F.' He emphasized the dangerous circumstances detainees face, including the threat of excessive force and insufficient medical responses.
With the most deficiencies found in any other inspection this year being just 13, this report has raised significant concerns. The issues described are particularly alarming given the facility's recent opening in summer 2022, aiming to house nearly 3,000 detainees daily.
Detainees' Complaints
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar criticized ICE for their negligence in addressing repeated detainee complaints about medical treatment, calling the inspection findings just a 'drop in the bucket'. She noted that conditions have not improved and questioned whether this is a deliberate strategy to pressure detainees into agreeing to self-deport.
The challenges highlighted in the inspection stem from the previous contractor, Acquisition Logistics LLC, which failed to maintain necessary standards. The report claims hygiene practices were neglected, medical staff did not isolate individuals showing tuberculosis symptoms, and response to grievances about care was distressingly slow, often taking several business days.
Questioning Future Improvements
Following the critical inspection, Amentum Services took over operations, tasked with improving care standards. An ICE spokesperson has advocated that the new contract should lead to better medical services, effective staffing, and increased oversight.
Meanwhile, concerns persist as to whether ICE will effectively resolve longstanding issues in the facility, which has faced scrutiny for its treatment of detainees and the overall standard of care.
