Nearly all inmates have been transferred out of the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin, a women’s prison in California set to be shut down due to rampant sexual abuse and mismanagement. As of Tuesday, only a small group of women remained at the minimum-security prison near Oakland, with the majority of the 605 inmates having been sent to other federal facilities.
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee have expressed concern over claims of a chaotic transfer process, alleging that inmates were subjected to mistreatment, harassment, neglect, and abuse while in transit. In a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), senators cited reports of abusive comments, excessive shackling, and denial of water and bathroom breaks.
The BOP has stated that it is addressing the inmates’ needs with compassion and respect, but inmate advocates have reported that women are being sent to facilities far from their families, causing distress and disruption. Concerns have also been raised that similar safety issues may persist at other women’s prisons.
Last August, eight FCI Dublin inmates filed a lawsuit against the BOP, alleging the agency’s failure to prevent sexual abuse. The civil litigation is expected to continue despite the prison’s closure.
The shutdown of FCI Dublin represents an acknowledgment of the failure of reform efforts to address the toxic culture and environment that has plagued the facility for decades. Senators have demanded an accounting of the rapid closure plan and guidance for the safe and humane release or transfer of individuals to other BOP facilities.
