Federal Women's Prison Closure in California on Hold Pending Inmate Review

Following the sudden announcement from the Bureau of Prisons that the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin, a women's prison in California, would be shut down, measures are being taken to review the status of each inmate before the closure is finalized.

A judge has ordered an accounting of the casework for all 605 women held at the main facility and its adjacent minimum-security camp. The review process will determine whether the inmates will be transferred elsewhere, released to a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility, placed under home confinement, in a halfway house, or granted a compassionate release.

The special master assigned to oversee the troubled prison will ensure that the inmates are transferred to the correct location, as stated by U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in her order. Another court hearing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday to further address the matter.

Advocates' Concerns

Advocates have raised concerns about the closure, pointing out that FCI Dublin is not only affected by sexual abuse but also hazardous mold, asbestos, and inadequate health care. There are worries that some of these safety concerns could persist at other women's prisons if the inmates are transferred. Susan Beaty, an attorney for inmate whistleblowers, highlighted the lack of information provided to the inmates about their fates, causing distress among them.

The decision to close FCI Dublin comes after a 2021 Associated Press investigation exposed a “rape club” culture at the prison, revealing a pattern of abuse and mismanagement that spanned years and even decades. Despite efforts and resources to improve the environment, the Bureau of Prisons stated that FCI Dublin did not meet expected standards, leading to the decision to close the facility.

Reactions and Job Concerns

Groups representing inmates and prison workers expressed discontent with the imminent closure, suggesting that the bureau prioritizes avoiding accountability over addressing the problems. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on the prison staff, with worries that union members could be relocated to facilities across the country, causing distress and upheaval in their personal lives.

Notably, the prison faced civil litigation from inmates who alleged that the agency had failed to address sexual abuse and retaliation for reporting such incidents. Last month, the FBI conducted another search at the prison, leading to further changes in its leadership. The appointment of a special master to oversee the facility’s operations was announced by a federal judge overseeing lawsuits against the prison.

Since 2021, several FCI Dublin employees have faced charges related to sexually abusing inmates, with some cases resulting in guilty pleas and convictions. The Associated Press investigation documented a culture of abuse and cover-ups within the prison, prompting increased scrutiny and pledges from the Bureau of Prisons to address the issues and transform the prison culture.