An Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inspection is raising new questions about conditions inside the nation’s largest immigrant detention facility. The feds opened Camp East Montana last year, down in El Paso.
Since mid-December, at least three migrants have died while in custody there and FOX 4 is learning that the detention site was recently cited for dozens of deficiencies.
Critical failures at Camp East Montana
What we know:
Camp East Montana sits on Fort Bliss in El Paso.
A report describes the detention center failures in some of the most basic parts of detention operations. From medical care to safety.
Now DHS suggests a new contractor will help turn things around.
49 deficiencies found in ICE inspection report
Dig deeper:
A three-day federal inspection, by ICE’s own team, over two days, in February found 49 deficiencies inside the massive detention facility.
The report cites problems with medical care, security, staffing, suicide watch checks, tuberculosis isolation and documentation of force incidents.
Among the most serious finding failures are tied to use of force and restraints.
Deaths in custody raise safety concerns
Since mid-December, at least three detainees have died in custody there.
The inspection happened before ICE replaced the original contractor.
DHS says a new company will run East Montana with promises, moving forward of better medical support, more staff and tighter oversight.
What they’re saying:
In a statement to FOX 4, the agency says, in part,
ICE inspection finds 49 deficiencies at El Paso’s Camp East Montana following migrant deaths
