US government probe shows no mistreatment of detainees at largest ICE detention center in state of Texas

A federal investigation into the largest facility of the controversial US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in the state of Texas found no evidence of mistreatment of detainees, media reports said Friday.

The internal inspection of the ICE facility in El Paso, which was released this week, did find dozens of safety and security violations during a visit by federal inspectors.

A total of 49 deficiencies at Camp East Montana were identified during the three-day inspection.

The report said 22 violations involved "use of force and restraints" and included failing to document incidents, failing to provide medical exams after physical altercations, and failing to record incidents on video.

Despite the violations, the report said none of the 49 detainees at the facility, who were randomly interviewed by inspectors, made allegations of discrimination, mistreatment or abuse.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the agency, said ICE has recently hired a new contractor to oversee the Texas facility and it is "always looking at ways to improve our detention facilities to ensure we are providing the best care to illegal aliens in our custody."

"This new contractor will allow Camp East Montana to continue abiding by the highest detention standards WITH the ability to provide MORE medical care on-site," DHS officials said in a statement. "This contract also allows more on-site staff and a PRECISE quality assurance surveillance plan. ICE will have even more oversight of the contractors at this facility."

The federal inspection of the facility, which opened in 2025, comes amid concerns from lawmakers and allegations from immigrant advocates about the mistreatment of detainees being held there as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration.

Three people have died at the $1.2 billion facility, including a Cuban immigrant whose death was ruled a homicide by the local medical examiner.

Department officials said the agency is working to address and fix the problems to provide the safe and humane treatment of detainees.

"ICE will continue to ensure that all of the detainees in our custody receive the level of care, service, and medical support they need to match our high detention standards," said department officials.