Senators demand answers on closure plan for CA prison where inmates were abused

• A troubled women’s prison in California is about to close, with nearly all its inmates transferred.
• The closure plan prompted U.S. senators to demand an explanation after reports of disorderly transfers and abuses during transportation.
• The Bureau of Prisons insisted it would respond compassionately to the needs of inmates, but faced criticism over its handling of the closure.

Nearly all inmates have been transferred from a troubled women’s prison in California that is slated for closure, with U.S. senators on Wednesday planning an early closure of the facility where sexual abuse by guards was rampant. requested an explanation.

Only a “small number” of women were still being held at FCI Dublin as of Tuesday, with the majority of the 605 inmates transferred to other federal facilities this week, Bureau of Prisons (BOP) spokesman Donald Murphy said. he said. . He said an unspecified number of prisoners remain at a minimum-security prison near Oakland, awaiting release or transfer to a detention center.

Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee sent a letter to the BOP stating that inmates on buses and planes did not receive proper medical care, transportation was disrupted, and they were subjected to “abuse, harassment, neglect, and mistreatment.” expressed concern about the claim. in transit. “

Bureau of Prisons to close California women’s prison where inmates were sexually abused

Susan Beatty, a lawyer for prisoners who blew the whistle on prison conditions, said there were reports that guards had verbally abused women during their transfers, “labeling them informers and referring to the Dublin lockdown”. said. Additionally, although the prisoners were classified as minimum security, they were shackled at the wrists and ankles throughout the long journey, and in some cases were denied water or access to the bathroom, Beatty said.

The BOP did not immediately respond to the senators’ letter, but Murphy said the agency addresses the needs of all inmates with “compassion and respect” during the transfer process.

“This process includes careful planning and coordination to safely transfer the women to other facilities, with special attention to their unique program, medical and mental health requirements,” she said in an email to The Associated Press. Great care was taken.” “We remain committed to helping each individual adapt to their new environment, providing the care and support they need.”

A 2021 Associated Press investigation uncovered a decades-old prison “rape club” culture of abuse and mismanagement. The Bureau of Prisons has repeatedly promised to improve its culture and environment, but the decision to close the facility marks an unusual admission that reform efforts have failed.

FBI searches California federal women’s prison again for sexual abuse

Following the abrupt announcement of FCI Dublin’s closure on April 15, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ordered that each inmate’s specific needs be considered on a case-by-case basis before transfers begin. commanded.

In response, the department filed court papers questioning the authority of the special chief appointed by a judge on April 5 to oversee the prison, who was tasked with investigating the status of each woman. Inmate advocates hoped the judge’s decision would delay closure. But the department proceeded anyway, saying in a court filing that “significant resources and employee time have already been invested in this move.”

Five members of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday asked Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters to prepare for the closure of the facility and “for the safe and humane release of individuals from custody or transfer to other BOP facilities.” Information was requested regarding the guidance given.

“Those detained at FCI Dublin have long endured a toxic culture of murder characterized by sexual assault, harassment and medical neglect by BOP staff, and now they are facing a flawed and hastily implemented closure. “Women in detention report hostility and retaliation from BOP employees responsible for shutting down facilities, which is unacceptable.” said the letter, signed by the state’s Democratic Sen. Cory Booker. Richard Durbin of Illinois; Jon Ossoff of Georgia. and California’s Alex Padilla and LaFonza Butler.

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Beatty said some customers have reportedly been sent to facilities in Texas, Florida, Minnesota and West Virginia.

“These are women who were able to see their children, parents and loved ones on a regular basis. Now they are torn apart and distraught,” Beatty said.

Advocates had called for most inmates to be released rather than transferred, saying FCI Dublin was plagued by sexual abuse, as well as toxic mold, asbestos and inadequate medical care. . They also worry that some of the safety concerns may persist in other women’s prisons.

Last August, eight inmates at FCI Dublin sued the Bureau of Prisons, accusing it of failing to eradicate sexual abuse at the facility. Their lawyers said the civil case will continue.