Shocking Report Reveals 49 Failures at U.S.’s Biggest Migrant Detention Camp.
Shocking Report Reveals 49 Failures at U.S.’s Biggest Migrant Detention Camp
A damning inspection has uncovered dozens of serious problems at the largest migrant detention facility in the United States, located in El Paso, Texas – raising fresh concerns over conditions under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a congressionally required three-day review of the $1.2 billion Camp East Montana in February, and this week released a report exposing 49 violations of detention standards. According to ICE, a “deficiency” includes any breach of facility rules, policies, or operational procedures.
The report highlights 22 violations involving the use of force and restraints, 11 issues with security and control, and five problems tied to medical care. Advocacy groups warn these failings have created unsafe conditions for detainees and fuel concerns about racial profiling.
Trump and his administration defend the crackdown as necessary to protect national security and curb illegal immigration, but rights organisations say it undermines due process and basic human rights.
Conditions at ICE facilities have been under intense scrutiny, with at least 14 detainee deaths reported so far this year – a continuation of last year’s record-high 31 deaths. Two of this year’s deaths occurred at Camp East Montana.
Last year, Representative Veronica Escobar, a Texas Democrat, visited the camp and described detainees enduring foul-tasting water, spoiled food, and substandard healthcare – raising alarm about the human cost of the immigration crackdown.
