**Federal Prisons to Close Six Facilities Amid Staffing and Infrastructure Struggles**
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has announced the closure of six federal correctional facilities across the United States, citing “extreme staffing challenges” and deteriorating infrastructure as primary factors. The decision, which will affect approximately 500 bureau employees, reflects the agency’s effort to address long-standing operational issues while focusing on maintaining safe and efficient correctional institutions.
### **Details of the Closures**
The facilities slated for closure include:
– **Beaumont FCI Low** in Texas
– **Big Spring FCI and its Satellite Camp** in Texas
– **La Tuna FCI, its Federal Satellite Low (FSL), and Satellite Camp** in Texas
– **Lexington FMC Satellite Camp** in Kentucky
– **Petersburg FCI Low** in Virginia
– **Taft FCI** in California
Employees at Beaumont, Lexington, and Petersburg may be offered transfer opportunities to nearby units, while those at Big Spring and La Tuna will face reduction in force (RIF), according to the BOP press release. The closures of La Tuna and Taft are described as having minimal staff impact since these facilities are currently not operational.
### **Official Justification and Response**
BOP Director William K. Marshall III defended the closures, stating that the actions are necessary to “address longstanding infrastructure and staffing challenges while ensuring the bureau remains focused on its core mission of operating safe, secure and efficient correctional facilities.” He emphasized a commitment to supporting the workforce during the transition and responsibly positioning the agency for the future.
However, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents BOP workers, has criticized the move. Brandy Moore White, national president of AFGE’s Council of Prison Locals, expressed deep concern, arguing that the closures could worsen overcrowding and further strain an already struggling staff.
This criticism comes in light of significant federal funding recently allocated to the BOP. In 2025, the agency received nearly $5 billion under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with $3 billion designated for staffing and training and $2 billion for infrastructure improvements. AFGE leaders argue that this investment should be used to strengthen the system rather than reduce its footprint.
### **Broader Challenges Facing the BOP**
The BOP has been grappling with persistent staffing shortages, high overtime usage, and a backlog of over $4 billion in deferred maintenance costs. The Government Accountability Office has even listed the management of the federal prison system as high-risk, partially due to ongoing workforce issues.
The agency lost more than 1,400 employees last year, many of whom left for positions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement offering higher salaries and signing bonuses. While BOP has introduced retention bonuses and pushed for bipartisan legislation to secure a 35% pay raise for staff, union officials say more permanent solutions are needed.
Adding to the tension, BOP canceled its collective bargaining agreement with AFGE in September 2025, affecting over 30,000 employees. Legal action has since been initiated by AFGE Council of Prison Locals 33 against the contract termination.
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*Original Article Source: Federal News Network – [Federal Prisons Shuttering Several Institutions Due to Staffing, Infrastructure Issues](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/)*
