Federal regulators have cited three contractors, including one with ties to a campaign donor of former President Donald Trump, for serious safety violations following the death of Hector Gonzalez at a construction site for a major immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas.
Gonzalez, who was just 38 years old, died in a workplace accident on July 21, 2025, when he was crushed by falling materials as contractors rushed to meet construction deadlines for Camp East Montana, which later became ICE's largest detention center. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found multiple violations during its investigation, most notably regarding unsafe practices related to the operation of industrial equipment.
According to a recently released report by Public Citizen, the site has been plagued by claims of inhumane conditions, disease outbreaks, and the deaths of detainees since its opening. These allegations have sparked widespread criticism towards the detention camp and the practices surrounding its construction and operation.
In the wake of Gonzalez's death, OSHA scrutinized the safety practices of the contractors involved. Although Acquisition Logistics, the primary contractor, was not cited, three subcontractors—Base International, JMJ Production Services, and Fulfillment Personnel Services—faced penalties for various safety infractions. Notably, Base International is owned by political donor Nathan Albers, who has contributed over $150,000 to Republican campaigns, raising concerns about the influence of politics in contracting practices.
OSHA's findings revealed serious lapses in safety protocols, including exposure to hazards from unstable loads. The companies involved accepted fines but contested the findings, with Base International planning an appeal against its proposed penalty of $11,585.
Public Citizen researcher Douglas Pasternak criticized the situation, emphasizing the responsibility of federal contractors to ensure worker safety and the implications of political connections in such matters. As contractors continue to feel pressure to meet government project deadlines, the question remains whether enough is being done to protect the lives of workers involved.
