U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is making a significant shift in management at its largest detention facility, Camp East Montana, located in El Paso, Texas. The agency has decided to terminate its contract with Acquisition Logistics, the previous contractor criticized for inadequate conditions, and replace it with Amentum Services, Inc.
This decision follows numerous reports detailing the deplorable living conditions at the camp, which accommodated an average of nearly 3,000 detainees in makeshift long tent structures since its hasty opening last year. Allegations of overcrowding, malnutrition, medical neglect, and an outbreak of measles further amplified scrutiny, prompting some members of Congress to demand the camp's closure.
Detainees have reported significant difficulties in accessing medication and healthcare, coupled with an alarming rate of weight loss due to insufficient food provisions. The first five months of the facility's operation saw over 130 calls to emergency services, including reports of deaths and multiple suicide attempts.
Acquisition Logistics, awarded a contract worth up to $1.3 billion last year, had no prior experience managing ICE facilities and faced accusations of mismanagement and fraud. Amentum, however, has a history of working with military and intelligence agencies and is expected to improve healthcare services and operational standards at the camp.
Rep. Veronica Escobar, representing the El Paso district, expressed cautious optimism about the transition and reiterated her calls for an investigation into the previous contractor's conduct. She highlighted the urgent need to address the chronic substandard conditions within the facility.
ICE's notice on this new contract indicates that Amentum has committed to maintaining compliance with safety regulations while enhancing performance metrics. This change comes amid broader plans by ICE to expand its detention capacity across the country, raising concerns about continuous detention practices.
