Nation’s largest ICE detention facility ‘wasted’ millions after rushed opening, federal report says

Federally Funded Detention Facility Faces Criticism

Nation s largest ICE detention facility - A federal audit highlights how the government squandered millions of dollars and neglected key operational standards after hastily launching the nation’s largest ICE detention facility at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. The report, issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), identifies significant lapses in planning and oversight that contributed to financial waste and compromised detainee care.

Rushed Opening and Contractual Challenges

Opened in August 2025, the Camp East Montana facility was built under a $1.3 billion contract awarded and managed by the Army. However, ICE assumed control of the facility shortly after, raising questions about the transition and accountability. According to the GAO, senior leadership’s directive for expedited timelines influenced critical decisions, such as selecting a new contracting method and a vendor without prior detention experience.

“Army and ICE officials indicated that the expedited time frames directed by senior leadership dictated several decisions related to their acquisition approach, such as using a contracting vehicle not previously used for detention services. They also selected a contractor that did not have prior experience providing detention services,” the report stated.

The report criticizes the Army for failing to incorporate flexibility into the contract, which led to unnecessary expenditures. For instance, during the first two weeks of its operation, the facility housed no detainees, yet full meal costs were incurred. This oversight, among others, is cited as a major factor in the financial inefficiency.

Shortcomings in Facility Readiness

Despite its grand scale, the facility did not meet essential detention standards at the time of its launch. The GAO noted deficiencies in security measures, recreational spaces, and legal access for detainees. Specifically, perimeter cameras were not installed, outdoor areas for exercise were lacking, and designated spaces for attorney visits and family meetings were absent.

“ICE did not identify these issues because it did not inspect the facility prior to housing detained noncitizens there, as required by ICE policy,” the report added.

These shortcomings underscore a broader pattern of underpreparedness. The facility’s rushed opening left it vulnerable to criticism, with officials facing scrutiny over its readiness to serve as a long-term detention hub. The GAO’s findings suggest that the lack of thorough pre-operational checks led to systemic gaps in how detainees were treated and monitored.

Detainee Fatality and Evidence Concerns

The report also draws attention to a fatal incident at the facility involving Geraldo Lunas Campos, a detainee who died shortly after its opening. Initially, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described his death as self-inflicted, but subsequent analysis by the local medical examiner classified it as a homicide. This discrepancy has sparked further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

“The contractor at the facility did not provide use of force and death reports to ICE and found that ‘evidence associated with the incident was missing or destroyed,’” the GAO noted.

In January, the Campos family’s attorneys filed an emergency petition to halt the deportation of witnesses, citing evidence of suffocation by guards. A federal judge granted the petition, underscoring the urgency of the case. A footnote in the report mentions an ongoing criminal probe into the incident, adding to the scrutiny faced by the facility and its operators.

Weapons Control and Safety Risks

Additional concerns emerged regarding the facility’s safety protocols. The GAO released a discrepancy report accusing the contractor of mishandling weapons control procedures, which resulted in the loss of a loaded firearm that was never recovered. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in the system, leaving detainees and staff exposed to potential threats.

“The incident exposed the staff, detained noncitizens, and the public to significant risk, including potential unauthorized access to firearms,” the report emphasized.

While the facility’s primary purpose is to house detainees, the absence of a properly secured firearm system highlights gaps in emergency preparedness. The report implies that these lapses could have had dire consequences, particularly in a high-security environment like Camp East Montana.

Public Response and Ongoing Scrutiny

The facility’s opening drew immediate backlash from local communities. On August 17, 2025, protesters gathered at Fort Bliss, demanding better conditions for detainees and criticizing the government’s handling of the project. These demonstrations reflect growing public concern over the facility’s operations and the potential for human rights violations.

When ABC News inquired about the GAO report on Wednesday, a DHS spokesperson avoided direct comments on the findings, instead reiterating the agency’s commitment to improving detention facilities. “ICE has contracted with a new provider following the termination of the old contract inherited from the Department of War. ICE is always looking at ways to improve our detention facilities to ensure we are providing the best care to illegal aliens in our custody,” the spokesperson stated.

Broader Implications for Government Efficiency

The report serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of rapid decision-making in large-scale infrastructure projects. By prioritizing speed over thoroughness, the Army and ICE overlooked critical details that could have been addressed with more time. The GAO’s analysis of the $1.3 billion contract underscores how streamlined processes sometimes sacrifice quality and accountability.

With three deaths reported since the facility’s launch, the situation has intensified calls for reform. Critics argue that the lack of inspections and documentation before housing detainees created a framework for potential abuse. The GAO’s findings, combined with the Campos case, suggest that the facility’s operational model may require significant adjustments to meet federal standards.

As the facility continues to operate, its management faces mounting pressure to address the issues raised by the GAO. The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized its ongoing efforts to enhance conditions, but the report’s detailed account of waste and deficiencies raises doubts about the effectiveness of these measures. The case of Camp East Montana highlights the challenges of balancing efficiency with safety and accountability in government-run detention centers.

Related Developments

The controversy surrounding the facility has drawn comparisons to other recent incidents. For example, the department’s response to the death of Campos mirrors similar narratives in the past, where initial reports of suicide were later revised. The GAO’s focus on financial mismanagement and operational lapses aligns with broader debates about the cost-effectiveness and human rights record of U.S. immigration detention systems.

ABC News has continued to follow the story, seeking further clarification from DHS. The ongoing investigation into Campos’ death, along with the missing firearm incident, indicates that the facility’s challenges extend beyond initial setup. These events have sparked renewed discussions about the need for rigorous oversight and transparency in immigration policies.

As the facility becomes a focal point of national attention, its management must demonstrate how it plans to rectify the issues highlighted in the report. Whether these efforts will lead to meaningful improvements or another cycle of inefficiency remains to be seen. The case of Camp East Montana serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough planning in high-stakes government projects.