In brief
In response to growing concerns about living conditions at Camp East Montana in El Paso, ICE is replacing the current contractor, Acquisition Logistics, with Amentum Services, Inc., known for its work with military and intelligence agencies. This change is expected to address issues like overcrowding and inadequate medical care reported by detainees. Representative Veronica Escobar has expressed cautious optimism but remains concerned about the camp's overall conditions and the treatment of detainees.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is terminating the contractor operating its largest detention facility at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, aiming to improve medical care and services. The agency announced the switch on Friday due to continued scrutiny over the facility's living conditions, described by detainees as inhumane since its construction last year.
With close to 3,000 detainees housed in long tent encampments, there have been alarming reports of overcrowding, medical neglect, malnutrition, and emotional distress; an outbreak of measles recently hit the camp, prompting calls from Democratic lawmakers for its closure.
Detainees have reported difficulties in accessing medication, significant weight loss due to inadequate food, and intimidation from guards. Over 130 emergency calls were made in the facility's initial months, including two deaths and numerous medical emergencies.
The ousted contractor, Acquisition Logistics, received a $1.3 billion contract last year despite having no prior experience running an ICE facility. Amentum Services, Inc., the newly appointed prime contractor, has worked as a subcontractor at Camp East Montana previously and is expected to enhance operational standards, according to ICE.
ICE spokespersons emphasized that Amentum was selected for its proven track record in providing services to U.S. government agencies, with commitments to improve medical care and procedural efficiency at the facility. While Rep. Veronica Escobar welcomed the change, she reiterated her calls for the camp's closure and raised alarms regarding the ongoing suffering of detainees.
Amentum, based in Virginia, describes its mission as providing advanced technology solutions for government operations. It has been tasked with a 180-day no-bid contract to run Camp East Montana, with unclear plans for the facility afterward, amid broader ICE plans for increased detention capacity across the country.
