ICE Inspection Uncovers 49 Safety Violations at Camp East Montana Detention Center

An inspection conducted in February at Camp East Montana, the nation’s largest immigration detention facility located in El Paso, Texas, identified 49 violations of national detention standards, according to a report released this week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Detention Oversight.

The facility, which opened hastily in summer 2023 and houses nearly 3,000 detainees per day—mostly men awaiting deportation—received the highest number of deficiencies recorded by the oversight office in any facility this year. Previous inspections at other centers reported no more than 13 deficiencies.

The documented shortcomings covered a range of areas, including use of force and restraints, security procedures, medical care, and detainee oversight. Inspectors cited lapses such as staff failing to document required checks for self-harm prevention, inadequate inventory control over equipment and ammunition, as well as incomplete reporting and review of force incidents. Medical staff also failed to isolate a detainee with tuberculosis-like symptoms and delayed responses to medical grievances filed by detainees.

The inspection occurred prior to the replacement of the facility’s initial contractor, Acquisition Logistics LLC, with Amentum Services on March 12. Acquisition Logistics had operated the camp under a contract worth up to $1.3 billion, despite lacking prior experience with detention facilities. The switch to Amentum Services came amid heightened scrutiny and reports of at least three deaths at the camp since opening.

U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar described the findings as “a drop in the bucket” of persistent problems at Camp East Montana, citing ongoing complaints about medical neglect. ICE has stated the new contract will enhance medical care, boost staffing, and strengthen oversight.

The inspection report recommended continued collaboration with the new contractor to address unresolved deficiencies. An overall “acceptable/adequate” rating was issued, despite the high number of violations. ICE maintains that oversight and conditions at Camp East Montana remain under active review.