GAO Report Reveals Major Issues at El Paso's Camp East Montana Detention Center

A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office highlights significant oversights at the Camp East Montana immigrant detention facility in El Paso, which opened in August 2025. The report indicates that the facility, which is the largest of its kind in the U.S., suffered from inadequate security, health care, and sanitation practices, leading to millions in wasted taxpayer dollars. Notably, a loaded firearm was lost by a contractor, and detainees were exposed to dangerous health conditions, including a tuberculosis case in the general population. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar emphasized the report's findings as a confirmation of her concerns regarding the facility's operations. As the facility continues to operate under a new contractor, the community remains vigilant about the implications of these issues on public health and safety.

Key Details: • Camp East Montana is located on Fort Bliss and is the largest immigrant detention facility in the U.S. • The GAO report was released on June 9, 2025, detailing overspending and security failures. • ICE has switched contractors to Amentum Holdings, but issues with health care and sanitation remain. • Detainees were exposed to tuberculosis due to inadequate health screening protocols. • Community health officials were delayed in responding to a measles outbreak linked to the facility.