U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has decided to terminate its contract with Acquisition Logistics, LLC, the company managing its largest detention facility, Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. The agency has appointed Amentum Services, Inc. as the new contractor, aiming to address ongoing concerns about the facility's treatment of detainees.
The decision follows an avalanche of criticism directed toward Acquisition Logistics due to reports from detainees about inhumane living conditions, which have included overcrowding, medical neglect, and malnutrition. The facility, which opens into six long tent encampments and houses nearly 3,000 detainees, has faced accusations of emotional distress among those held there.
Amentum, known for its experience with military and intelligence operations, is expected to implement enhancements in medical care and operational standards. An ICE spokesperson commented, Amentum’s size, maturity, and pedigree make them the right partner at the right time. This new agreement suggests a potential overhaul of the care standards at the facility.
Despite the changes, local representative Veronica Escobar expressed cautious optimism, stating that while the switch is welcome, the ongoing issues of substandard conditions still raise significant concerns. Escobar called for deeper investigations into the previous contractor's practices and emphasized the urgency of shutting down the facility.
The upcoming transition comes as ICE expands its operations with plans for new warehouses across the country, which have met fierce opposition from advocates who argue they merely serve to exacerbate the ill-treatment of detainees.
Currently, detainees at Camp East Montana are usually held for an average stay of nine days, although many face extended detentions due to legal and logistical challenges. The new contractor is expected to provide comprehensive medical care, secure housing, and transportation while adhering to regulatory performance standards, which remain to be observed.
