GAO finds massive waste and safety risks at ICE's Camp East Montana

A GAO report on Camp East Montana—the largest ICE detention facility—finds a rushed, poorly managed project that wasted millions and endangered detainees: a contractor with no detention experience was chosen for a $1.3 billion deal after Army delays, leading to millions in waste for guards, medical services, transport and meals before detainees arrived, and ongoing costs paid even as detainee counts fluctuated far below maximum. The facility failed ICE detention standards, with missing perimeter cameras, accessibility gaps, inadequate recreation and legal resources, and sanitation/health shortcomings. Investigations into detainee deaths were hampered by missing evidence, while officials warn of broader systemic mismanagement and call for reform; Sen. Durbin called the findings damning.