Audit Reveals $11.5 Million Waste at Camp East Montana Detention Facility

A recent audit by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) uncovered significant financial waste and operational failures at Camp East Montana, an immigration detention center located on Fort Bliss, which opened in August 2025. The report highlights that the Army awarded a contract worth up to $1.3 billion, leading to $11.5 million wasted on services before any detainees were housed. Issues included inadequate security, insufficient facilities for detainees with disabilities, and operational lapses such as a lack of pre-occupancy inspections. In light of these findings, Representative Veronica Escobar has called for the facility's closure and an investigation into the contractor's practices. The Department of Homeland Security has agreed to implement GAO's recommendations to enhance oversight and reduce waste.

Key Details: • GAO report estimates $11.5 million wasted from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15, 2025. • Facility opened in August 2025; contract valued at $1.3 billion. • Call for facility closure and investigation into contractor practices. • DHS and DOD agreed to GAO recommendations for improved oversight.