A government watchdog identified significant problems at the Fort Bliss Army base in Texas, specifically at Camp East Montana, where immigrant detainees are held. The issues included wasted taxpayer money, unsanitary conditions, inadequate tuberculosis measures, and a missing firearm. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported these findings from August 2025 to March 2026.
Tragic incidents included two deaths between August 2025 and March 2026. One detainee’s death by asphyxiation was classified as a homicide, prompting a criminal investigation. Another death by suicide occurred in January 2026 when a detainee was left unattended for extended periods.
The GAO report highlighted how detainees with health conditions, such as HIV and diabetes, received inadequate care due to the lack of proper treatment plans. Camp East Montana, the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, has a capacity of 5,000 detainees.
Problems stemmed from rushed construction and contracting processes. The Defense Department had announced the creation of Camp East Montana as a major federal detention center. However, the Army awarded a $1.2 billion contract to an inexperienced contractor.
The GAO found that from August 1-15, 2025, before any detainees arrived, the Army wasted $11.5 million on operational costs. After operations began, $423,000 was spent on unneeded meals, and ICE spent an additional $7.1 million on surplus meals through March 12, 2026.
Lack of a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan hindered oversight of contractor performance. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded by hiring a new contractor to improve detention standards and provide more medical care. This new contract allows for more on-site staff and enhanced quality assurance.
The GAO reported unsanitary conditions, noting detained individuals were offered cookies by security guards to clean their dormitories. The watchdog recommended more flexible contracts and compliance with detention standards for future facilities.
The Defense Department agreed to implement the recommendations but criticized the GAO’s reliance on ICE data. The GAO maintained its findings showed that both DHS and the Army’s decisions led to numerous challenges at the facility. The Army declined further comment beyond the report.