Sunday, April 5, 2026-A recent internal inspection of the largest U.S. migrant detention facility, Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, has uncovered 49 violations of national detention standards, raising serious concerns about safety, medical care, and treatment of detainees.
The report, conducted over three days in February by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Detention Oversight, identified major deficiencies across multiple areas—including improper use of force and weak security protocols—that could expose detainees to harm and unsafe conditions.
Among the most concerning findings were issues related to the use of force and restraints, where staff failed to document key incidents or conduct medical exams after physical altercations, as well as lapses in medical care including failure to isolate detainees showing symptoms of contagious disease.
Inspectors also noted problems with facility security, such as inadequate staffing and poor record‑keeping of force and restraint use. These deficiencies come as Camp East Montana, a $1.2 billion facility opened amid an aggressive immigration enforcement push, has already seen multiple detainee deaths this year, prompting lawmakers and advocates to criticize conditions and demand greater oversight.
The report’s release has fueled broader debates over conditions in ICE detention facilities and the treatment of migrants held pending immigration proceedings.
While the Department of Homeland Security says new contractors and improved oversight are expected to address many problems, critics argue the violations reflect deeper systemic issues that must be urgently corrected to protect the health and rights of those in custody.
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