ICE Finds Dozens of Standards Violations at Troubled El Paso Detention Center

Inspectors cite issues with use of force, security, and medical care at Camp East Montana facility

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of metal handcuffs or a detention center key, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The harsh lighting and stark contrast of this image evokes the grim realities of immigration detention, where allegations of abuse and neglect have raised serious concerns.El Paso Today

Inspectors from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Detention Oversight found 49 deficiencies during a three-day visit to the Camp East Montana detention center in El Paso, Texas. The violations spanned issues related to use of force, facility security, medical care, and other areas, though the center was still rated as "acceptable/adequate" overall.

Why it matters

The findings add to ongoing concerns about conditions and treatment of detainees at the massive $1.2 billion facility, which has faced allegations of abuse, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate medical care since opening in 2025. The detention center has also seen multiple detainee deaths, contributing to calls from local officials for increased oversight and even closure of the site.

The details

Inspectors found 22 deficiencies related to "use of force and restraints," 11 issues with "facility security and control," and 5 related to "medical care." The report also cited problems with the facility's grievance system and detainee access to telephones. Inspectors noted at least one escape due to inadequate staffing, as well as issues with inventory and inspection of tools and ammunition.

  • Inspectors visited the facility for three days in February 2026.
  • The inspection report was released in April 2026.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for the oversight and management of immigration detention facilities in the United States.

Office of Detention Oversight (ODO)

A division within ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility that conducts inspections and oversight of immigration detention centers.

Camp East Montana

A $1.2 billion immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas, that is projected to be one of the largest in the country with a capacity of 5,000 detainees.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives who has repeatedly raised concerns about conditions at the Camp East Montana detention center and called for its closure.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

A non-profit organization that published a report detailing allegations of physical violence, forced self-deportation, and other abuses against detainees at Camp East Montana.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated the contract with the previous management company for Camp East Montana and awarded a new contract to Amentum Services Inc. to oversee the facility going forward.

The takeaway

The inspection findings at Camp East Montana add to the growing body of evidence and concerns about the treatment of detainees and the overall conditions at the massive immigration detention center. This case highlights the need for increased oversight, accountability, and reform within the immigration detention system.