Unsafe Construction Conditions Linked to Immigrant Detention Center Death

Tue Apr 14 2026 04:06:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Federal regulators are investigating safety violations related to the death of a construction worker at an immigration detention center, raising concerns over worker safety and contractor accountability.

The tragic death of construction worker Hector Gonzalez at Camp East Montana has led to serious safety citations against three contractors involved in the project's construction. As the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center faces criticism for inhumane conditions, the investigation draws attention to contractor safety practices, with particular scrutiny on Base International, owned by a donor to former President Donald Trump. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found violations linked to dangerous working conditions that contributed to Gonzalez's death, highlighting the need for stricter safety regulations in high-stakes construction sites.

Federal regulators have cited three contractors, including one linked to a campaign donor to former President Donald Trump, for serious safety violations related to the death of a worker at a construction site for a major immigration detention center.

Hector Gonzalez, aged 38, was tragically killed on July 21, 2025, when he was struck by falling materials while working at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. The facility is noted as one of the largest detention centers for immigrants awaiting deportation hearings, with reports of overcrowding and poor conditions.

The report from Public Citizen revealed troubling issues with contractor practices and highlighted that OSHA's investigation led to citations for Base International, JMJ Production Services, and Fulfillment Personnel Services. Violations included unsafe handling of materials, resulting in hazardous working conditions for employees.

Base International, owned by Nathan Albers, has been particularly scrutinized due to its connections with Trump, raising questions about the influence of campaign funding on safety standards in federal contracts.

As investigations continue, there are increasing calls for accountability in construction safety practices at facilities critical to the immigration enforcement agenda.