New ICE detention contractor has history of federal violations

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Department of Homeland Security has handed over operations of the nation's largest immigration detention facility to a new contractor with a troubling track record of federal regulatory violations, according to reporting by LEX 18 News.

Amentum Services took over management of Camp East Montana, a 5,000-person detention facility at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, from the original contractor Acquisition Logistics without public bidding. The handover comes as the facility faces mounting scrutiny over detainee deaths, including one ruled a homicide, and serious safety violations.

Federal records show Amentum and its parent company, Amentum Holdings Inc., have accumulated 112 federal regulatory violations in recent years. These include a 2024 fatal workplace accident in Virginia and a 2023 Occupational Safety and Health Administration citation for exposing employees to toxic vapors at CIA headquarters.

The facility opened last summer and quickly became embroiled in controversy. An ICE inspection report identified 49 violations of national detention standards. Three detainees have died in custody, including Geraldo Lunas Campos, whose death a local medical examiner ruled a homicide after guards used force during an apparent suicide attempt.

Detainees have reported inadequate medical care and poor facility conditions, including leaking bunks during heavy rains. Douglas Pasternak, research director for the nonprofit government watchdog group Public Citizen, expressed concern about the contractor swap. "Amentum couldn't even protect the safety and health of federal workers and now they're going to be charged with protecting the safety and health of thousands of immigrant detainees," he said.

DHS defended the contractor change, stating Amentum was selected for its "size, maturity and pedigree" and would provide enhanced medical care and on-site staffing. The agency said it will maintain heightened oversight of the facility. Amentum did not respond to requests for comment.