Report: ICE wasted millions, endangered detainees in largest immigration facility

Key Points:

• A U.S. Government Accountability Office report revealed severe violations at Camp East Montana, a large immigration detention center in Texas, including millions wasted on operations, endangered detainee health, and destruction or loss of evidence related to a detainee's death investigation.
• The facility, initially operated by Acquisition Logistics LLC and now by Amentum Services, has faced persistent issues such as underutilization, inadequate medical care, excessive use of force, and failure to meet detention standards, with at least three detainee deaths reported.
• The report highlighted that the contractor failed to provide required use of force and death reports to ICE, and evidence linked to a detainee homicide was missing or destroyed, raising concerns about accountability and oversight.
• Following widespread criticism, DHS replaced Acquisition Logistics with Amentum Services, promising improved medical care, increased staffing, and enhanced quality assurance, though local lawmakers and immigrant-rights advocates are demanding the facility’s closure and further investigations.
• DHS rejected calls to close Camp East Montana, stating the facility is undergoing upgrades, while critics urge reallocating funds to support broader community needs and ensuring justice for detainees.