New spate of stabbings, overdoses and fires at Australian immigration detention centres run by ICE-linked US prison firm

Internal documents have exposed serious security failures at Melbourne and Villawood immigration detention centres, raising concerns over potential breaches of laws meant to safeguard both staff and detainees. A surge in violent incidents, including stabbings, drug use, and overdoses, has followed the appointment of a US private prison company to manage Australia’s detention network. Earlier reports highlighted systemic security breakdowns across the immigration detention system since the contract was awarded. The revelations underscore growing scrutiny over government oversight in these facilities.

Exclusive: Federal government under scrutiny as documents reveal serious security lapses at Melbourne and Villawood immigration detention centresGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA new spate of stabbings, overdoses and drug use in Australia’s immigration detention centres has put the Australian government in likely breach of laws designed to protect staff and detainees, internal documents show.Earlier this year, Guardian Australia revealed catastrophic security failings across Australia’s onshore immigration network since Management and Training Corporation – a US private prison company used by Donald Trump to hold ICE detainees – won the $2.3bn detention contract in late 2024. Continue reading...