ICE Replaces Contractor at Largest Detention Camp After Scrutiny

New contractor Amentum Services to improve medical care and services at Camp East Montana in Texas

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:18pm

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is terminating the contract of Acquisition Logistics, LLC, the contractor running its largest detention facility, Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. ICE is replacing Acquisition Logistics with a more experienced firm, Amentum Services, Inc., to improve medical care, food, and other services at the camp, which has faced scrutiny over inhumane living conditions.

Why it matters

The switch of contractors at Camp East Montana comes after mounting evidence of overcrowding, medical neglect, malnutrition, and emotional distress among detainees. The camp has faced calls from Democratic members of Congress to be shut down due to the poor conditions. This move by ICE is an attempt to address the issues at the facility, which has seen over 130 emergency calls in its first five months, including two deaths and several suicide attempts.

The details

Acquisition Logistics, LLC, the previous contractor, had no prior experience running an ICE detention facility and lacked a functioning website. The new contractor, Amentum Services, Inc., has worked as a subcontractor at Camp East Montana and has experience working with the military and intelligence agencies. ICE says Amentum is best suited to improve operations, including higher standards of medical care, more thorough case processing, and better accountability measures.

  • Camp East Montana opened in 2025.
  • In the first five months of operation, there were over 130 calls to 911 from the camp.
  • Acquisition Logistics' contract was set to run until September 30, 2027.

The players

Acquisition Logistics, LLC

The previous contractor running Camp East Montana, which had no prior experience operating an ICE detention facility.

Amentum Services, Inc.

The new contractor selected by ICE to take over operations at Camp East Montana, known for its work with the military and intelligence agencies.

Rep. Veronica Escobar

A Democratic member of Congress representing the district that includes Camp East Montana, who has called for the facility to be shut down.

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What they’re saying

“Whether the new contractor is an improvement remains to be seen, and I remain deeply concerned about the chronic substandard conditions that exist at Camp East Montana.”

— Rep. Veronica Escobar

What’s next

ICE says it will work closely with Amentum to implement higher standards of medical care, more thorough case processing, and better accountability measures at Camp East Montana.

The takeaway

This contractor switch at the largest ICE detention facility is an attempt to address the poor living conditions that have drawn scrutiny and calls for the camp's closure. However, the success of the new contractor in improving the situation remains to be seen, and ongoing oversight and transparency will be crucial.