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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an investigation into its largest migrant detention facility, following alarming reports of illness and substandard living conditions at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. This development was confirmed in a statement issued by the agency.
According to Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary for DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is actively seeking methods to enhance the quality of care provided at their detention centers. “We are continually evaluating our facilities to ensure that we offer the highest standard of care to those in our custody,” she explained in a statement to KTSM.
Bis also noted that the contract for operating Camp East Montana, which is currently under review, was originally established by the Department of Defense and later taken over by DHS.
In discussing future plans for the facility, Bis emphasized the thorough nature of DHS’s audits and inspections. “We conduct comprehensive evaluations of our facilities to verify compliance with our stringent standards,” she stated. “As of now, no final decisions have been made regarding the contract’s extension, termination, or renewal.”
Bis said that the contract for Camp East Montana, which is currently under evaluation, was “inherited” from the Defense Department.
“DHS undergoes rigorous audits and inspections of our facilities to ensure they are meeting our high standards,” Bis continued. “No decisions have been made related to contract extension, termination, or award.”
The Washington Post reported Wednesday that ICE was taking steps to close the facility that opened less than a year ago.
The Post cited internal documents stating ICE intended to terminate the facility’s $1.2 billion contract awarded to Acquisition Logistics LLC last July.
The move comes as DHS is under scrutiny for what human rights groups described as “significant abuse” against detainees housed in the sprawling tent camp, including allegations of physical and sexual abuse by officers, medical neglect and insufficient food, among other complaints.
At least three people have died at the facility since December, one of which was ruled a homicide, according to Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), whose district includes the Fort Bliss Army base.
On Tuesday, Escobar said the facility was temporarily closed to visitors and attorneys because of a measles outbreak. There were 14 active cases and 112 people in isolation, she said.
The congresswoman expressed relief about the reported closure in a statement on Wednesday, but she said the camp “should never have opened.”
“The $1.24 billion cost for this facility could have been used for healthcare, nutrition programs, and a litany of other things to improve our society and our country. Instead, it promoted the dehumanization of immigrants and lined the pockets of a corrupt, incompetent private prison corporation,” Escobar said.
Roughly 1,500 detainees are currently being held at Camp East Montana, about half the size of the population seen in January, according to documents obtained by the Post.