Scathing Report Finds Dozens of Violations at Major Texas Immigration Detention Camp

Inspection uncovers issues with excessive force, medical neglect, and security lapses at nation's largest ICE facility

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary barbed wire fence or detention camp building in warm, golden sunlight with deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and melancholy.The troubling findings from a recent inspection expose the harsh realities faced by detainees at one of the nation's largest immigration detention facilities.El Paso Today

A recent inspection at the nation's largest immigration detention facility, Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, found dozens of violations of national standards that potentially exposed detainees to excessive force, disease, and other unsafe conditions. The report by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Detention Oversight documented 49 deficiencies in areas including use of force, security, medical care, and more - an unusually high number compared to other facilities.

Why it matters

The findings raise serious concerns about the treatment of detainees and the overall management of the facility, which has been the subject of intense scrutiny over conditions and deaths of detainees. The report comes as the Biden administration is pausing plans to expand large-scale detention centers, suggesting a potential shift in immigration enforcement policies.

The details

The inspection was conducted over three days in February before ICE replaced the prime contractor, Acquisition Logistics LLC, which had no prior experience in detention operations. The report found issues such as unsecured equipment, lack of staffing documentation, delayed medical care, and failure to isolate a detainee with potential tuberculosis symptoms. Despite the problems, the camp received an 'acceptable/adequate' rating from inspectors.

  • The inspection took place over three days in February 2026.
  • ICE replaced the prime contractor, Acquisition Logistics LLC, in March 2026.
  • The new contractor, Amentum Services, took over operations at Camp East Montana on March 12, 2026.

The players

Camp East Montana

The nation's largest immigration detention facility, located in El Paso, Texas.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that oversees immigration enforcement and detention operations.

Acquisition Logistics LLC

The prime contractor that previously operated Camp East Montana, despite having no prior experience in detention operations.

Amentum Services

The new contractor that took over operations at Camp East Montana in March 2026 with a $453 million no-bid contract.

Randall Kallinen

An attorney who represents the family of a 36-year-old detainee who died at Camp East Montana in January.

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What they’re saying

“This report is scathing. Camp East Montana gets an F. It's very dangerous. Not only are the detainees in danger of excessive force, they are also in danger of improper or negligent medical care and mental health care, as well as danger from other detainees.”

— Randall Kallinen, Attorney

“ICE is completely uninterested in really creating any change or holding the contractor accountable.”

— Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The new contractor, Amentum Services, is expected to improve medical care, increase staffing, and provide stricter oversight at Camp East Montana. However, critics remain skeptical about whether meaningful changes will be made to address the facility's longstanding issues.

The takeaway

This scathing inspection report highlights the systemic problems plaguing the nation's largest immigration detention center, raising urgent questions about the treatment of detainees and the lack of accountability within the immigration enforcement system. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive reform to ensure the humane and lawful detention of immigrants.