Report finds major ICE detention camp wasted millions, put detainees in danger
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that mismanagement at ICE’s Camp East Montana in Texas led to unsafe conditions, detainee deaths, and suffering, while millions in taxpayer dollars were wasted on contractors.
- The report highlighted issues including missing evidence in a detainee death, inadequate medical care, unsanitary conditions, and security failures such as a detainee escape and a lost firearm.
- The facility was rushed open before construction was complete, lacked required inspections, and failed to meet detention standards, including accessibility and recreational provisions.
- The contractor, Acquisition Logistics, lacked experience and was paid for unnecessary services due to contract flaws, contributing to financial waste and operational problems.
- Investigations into detainee deaths have been hampered by missing evidence and procedural failures, with one death ruled a homicide and another a suicide under questionable conditions.