The closure of a troubled women’s prison in California has raised concerns among U.S. senators over the rapid transfer process and allegations of mistreatment of inmates. Nearly all inmates have been moved out of the facility, where a pattern of sexual abuse by guards was rampant. The Bureau of Prisons has defended the transfer process, claiming it was conducted with compassion and respect, but inmates and advocates have reported incidents of harassment, neglect, and abuse during transport.
The closure of the Dublin Federal Prison for Women was intended to resolve issues of abuse and dysfunction. However, the hasty transfer of 600 inmates to distant prisons has caused significant distress. Inmates endured grueling cross-country journeys without necessary medical supplies or hygiene products, leaving them disoriented and unwell. The chaos led to confusion, anxiety, and even self-harm among the prisoners. Despite efforts to keep inmates close to their release locations, some were sent thousands of miles away from their families and support systems.
