A new report on Camp East Montana, one of the largest ICE detention centers in the US, has revealed severe oversight and operational issues at the facility. Located near Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas, the center was found to have lost a loaded firearm, failed to provide care for detainees with chronic illnesses, and neglected to conduct tuberculosis tests on immigrants.
Issues Highlighted by the Report
The Congressional Oversight Office reported "serious performance and supervision problems" at the facility. It was noted that ICE had prepared eight separate non-compliance reports and one oversight report for the center, all documenting significant issues.
One report detailed that in January 2026, a private security officer lost a loaded weapon at the facility, and despite numerous searches, the firearm remained missing as of March 2026. ICE officials stated that at that time, the agency was still awaiting responses from the contractor on some reports.
Another non-compliance report revealed that a contractor failed to administer mandatory tuberculosis tests, relying only on symptom questionnaires. Due to this shortfall, a person carrying tuberculosis was housed with the general population in November.
Deficiencies in Health Services
In December, ICE’s Health Services unit found that the contractor did not conduct comprehensive health assessments on time, resulting in detainees with chronic illnesses not receiving care that met national detention standards. The report cited that no treatment plans were developed for detainees with diabetes or HIV.
The Oversight Office also reported that evidence related to a detainee’s death at the facility may have been lost or destroyed. Initially announced as a "presumed suicide," a local medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide. The case is now under investigation by the FBI and agency inspectors.
Facility’s Troubled History
Since its opening in August at the military base, Camp East Montana has been surrounded by controversy. A construction accident resulted in a death, three detainees died within less than six weeks, one of which was later classified as a homicide. The center also experienced outbreaks of tuberculosis and measles.
After ICE took administrative responsibility from the military in October, it continued to fail in meeting contract requirements. According to the Oversight Office, despite emerging problems, compliance with the contract was not achieved.
Contractor Change and Ongoing Lawsuits
In mid-March, ICE terminated its contract with Acquisition Logistics, LLC, the company operating the facility. The company reportedly had no prior experience running an immigrant detention center, and its 77-year-old CEO managed operations from his private home.
The company did not immediately respond to questions about the report. The Department of Homeland Security stated that a new service provider is now working at the facility following the contract termination, emphasizing that the center has not closed but is undergoing improvements.
The department also announced that with the new contractor, more health services will be provided and ICE will enforce stronger oversight. Officials said Camp East Montana will continue to operate in accordance with "high detention standards."
Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union and several legal organizations have filed lawsuits against ICE over alleged inhumane conditions at the center. The lawsuits cite severe medical neglect, disease outbreaks, hazardous and unhealthy environments, and excessive use of force by staff.
Representative Veronica Escobar stated that the findings confirm warnings she has raised for months and called for the center’s closure. Escobar urged that the destruction of evidence be investigated as a crime and argued that Republicans should work with Democrats to redirect resources accordingly.
