Nearly all inmates from the troubled women’s prison in California have been transferred out as it is set to be closed down. U.S. senators have demanded explanations due to reports of chaotic transfers and mistreatment during transport. The Bureau of Prisons has faced criticism over the handling of the closure, with claims of abusive comments from guards and inadequate medical care during the transports.
As of Tuesday, only a small group of women were still being held at FCI Dublin, with the majority of its 605 inmates having been sent to other federal facilities. Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee expressed concern over the claims of mistreatment and harassment during transport, demanding answers from the Bureau of Prisons. Reports of shackling, denied water, and abusive comments from guards have raised further questions about the treatment of the inmates.
Susan Beaty, a lawyer for inmates who exposed the conditions at the prison, mentioned reports of abusive comments from guards during transport and the inmates being shackled during their journeys. The Bureau of Prisons stated that they were addressing all the inmates’ needs with compassion and respect during the transfer process but did not immediately respond to the senators’ letter. The closure of FCI Dublin represents recognition that reform efforts at the facility had failed.
Following the sudden announcement of the closure, a U.S. District Court Judge ordered a case-by-case review of each inmate’s needs before the transfers began. The Bureau of Prisons questioned the authority of the special master appointed by the judge to oversee the prison, despite inmate advocates hoping the decision would slow the shutdown. Senators have demanded information on the preparations to close the facility and guidance given for the safe and humane release or transfer of individuals to other BOP facilities.
Inmate advocates have called for the release of most inmates from FCI Dublin, citing not only pervasive sexual abuse but also hazards such as mold, asbestos, and inadequate health care. Concerns about safety persisting at other women’s prisons where some inmates have been transferred have also been raised. Last August, eight FCI Dublin inmates filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons for failing to root out sexual abuse at the facility, with their lawyers indicating that the civil litigation will continue.
