Washington, D.C, District of Columbia (Issuewire.com) - Families of incarcerated individuals at Federal Correctional Institution Thomson (FCI Thomson) are calling on federal officials to take immediate action following repeated lockdowns and ongoing reports of abuse — despite assurances from Senator Dick Durbin that the situation was being monitored.
FCI Thomson was reopened as a low-security facility after being shut down due to abuse, mismanagement, and multiple inmate deaths. In May 2024,The FCI Thomson Loved Ones Coalition— representing over 275 families — raised these issues with Senator Durbin, who assured them that he would be “monitoring the situation.” Yet since that time, there have been six extended lockdowns, including three just this year — and it’s only March.
“If this is being monitored, why are things getting worse?” said a spokesperson from The FCI Thomson Loved Ones Coalition. “We’ve had three major lockdowns since the beginning of this year — and no one will even tell us why. The men inside don’t know why, we don’t know why, and a lot of the staff say they don’t know why either.”
Media reports confirm that eight staff members have overdosed on the job in the last six months — highlighting the facility’s ongoing internal crisis. Meanwhile, the union representing correctional staff, AFGE Local 4070, has focused its public response on securing increased pay and benefits. Union president Jon Zumkehr was quoted saying:
“When federal law enforcement officers earn less than local factory workers and have to choose between childcare and showing up for work, we’ve got a serious problem.”
A recent lockdown imposed on March 9, 2025, was reportedly anticipated weeks in advance — raising questions about the timing and consistency of these measures. Despite repeated requests for transparency, no explanation has been given for the most recent lockdown — which has now lasted over a week. Families have been left without communication, while those inside are confined to their cells without access to proper meals, showers, or recreation.
“We’ve written hundreds of emails, made hundreds of calls, and gotten zero response. We were told this was being monitored — but clearly, it’s not.” — Spokesperson for The FCI Thomson Loved Ones Coalition
The FCI Thomson Loved Ones Coalition is urging:
• A Full Federal Investigation – The Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons must investigate the ongoing failures at FCI Thomson.
• Accountability – If staff shortages and corruption are causing these lockdowns, it needs to be addressed — not used as political leverage.
• Independent Oversight – External oversight must be put in place to prevent further abuse and mismanagement.
“This facility was closed for a reason — and now it’s happening all over again. If Durbin and the DOJ are monitoring this, why are the problems getting worse?”
Thomson Prison on lockdown since Sunday
Thomson Prison modifying operations after alternative
Second staffer at FCI Thomson exposed to drugs
Inmate death at FCI Thomson under FBI investigation
Thomson Federal Prison facing staffing crisis
Media Contact
The FCI Thomson Loved Ones Coalition thomsonadvocates@gmail.com
