A federal report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found significant deficiencies and financial waste at Camp East Montana, the nation's largest immigration detention facility located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The report highlights millions of dollars in wasted taxpayer funds, health and security lapses, and failure to meet detention standards when the facility opened in August 2025.
The GAO report identified several key issues, including:
- Unnecessary spending: The Army paid full costs for meals and operations even when the facility had no detainees in its early days.
- Inadequate infrastructure: The facility lacked security cameras, outdoor recreation areas, and legal visitation spaces when it opened.
- Contracting failures: The Army and ICE used an unproven contractor and a hastily designed contract due to expedited timelines.
- Oversight gaps: ICE did not inspect the facility before housing detainees, violating its own policies.
The facility, initially operated by Acquisition Logistics LLC and later taken over by Amentum Services, has faced criticism since its inception. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) called the report "damning," linking the issues to the Trump administration's immigration policies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pledged improvements under the new contractor, stating it is "always looking at ways to improve our detention facilities."
Background and Context
The facility was established to meet increased detention needs amid a crackdown on immigration under the Trump administration. The $1.3 billion contract, initially administered by the Army, was later transferred to ICE. The GAO report suggests that expedited decision-making led to cost overruns and operational failures.
Political and Policy Implications
The report has reignited debates over immigration detention policies, with critics arguing that the facility exemplifies systemic failures in oversight and accountability. Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement may view the issues as isolated incidents rather than systemic problems.
The GAO has recommended strengthened oversight and contract flexibility to prevent future waste. DHS has not yet responded to the report's findings in full.