Federal Bureau of Prisons
Federal prisons are operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and house individuals convicted of federal crimes. As of May 8, 2025, 143,699 federal inmates were in BOP custody. This directory provides articles and resources on the structure, policies and daily operations of BOP facilities and the unique challenges federal prisons face. Understanding the federal prison system is essential for professionals working within or alongside these institutions. For related topics, explore our section on the Department of Justice.
Joshua J. Smith, pardoned by President Trump in 2021 on drug charges, is the first formerly incarcerated person to hold a leadership role at the Bureau of Prisons
The ruling halts an executive order from President Donald Trump that led to treatment disruptions for hundreds of transgender inmates
The three men orchestrated violent crimes, including murders, from inside California prisons using contraband phones
J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao reported to the U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday morning; authorities have not said which facility they will go to
Colette Peters cautioned that it’ll take time to turn around the Justice Department’s largest component, with 122 facilities, 159,000 inmates and a budget of more than $8 billion
The Federal Prison Oversight Act would require the Justice Department to create a prisons ombudsman to field complaints about prison conditions
The former LEO was taken to Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, which houses 266 inmates, both male and female
“Today’s verdicts prove that violence and threats have no place in our politics and those who seek to divide us will be held accountable. They will not succeed,” said Whitmer
Union leader expressed concern that employees were being blamed for systemic issues that had been long ignored
Senators “concerned” about recent press reports of retaliation and violence against inmates at FCI Sheridan for their claims of mistreatment
Congressman “dismayed” that Michael Carvajal is staying on through the end of the month as a senior adviser to Peters, the former director of Oregon’s state prison system
Michael Carvajal, who submitted his resignation in January but was not replaced until Tuesday, will stay on through the end of the month as a senior adviser to the new director
Colette Peters, former director of the Oregon state prison system, replaces Michael Carvajal
Problems included rodents, sewage backups, mold, ubiquitous contraband and a troubling suicide rate among inmates at the prison, also known as U.S. Penitentiary Atlanta
Samuela Tuikolongahau Jr. was detained after allegations he presented bank checks for $760,000, $400,000 and $50,000 in 2020
Carvajal, who resigned in January, blamed the size and structure of the Bureau of Prisons for his ignorance on issues such as inmate suicides, sexual abuse, and the free flow of drugs, weapons and other contraband
Problems cited include security gaps and inadequate or incompetent staffing that provided openings for contraband and raucous behavior among inmates
Marco Paredes-Machado claims he was classified as a member of the ISIS terrorist group to justify moving him to the maximum-security prison
Peters vowed to put the wellness of federal correctional officers at the top of her priority list
Officials and experts discuss safety risk and placement decision for former police officer Derek Chauvin as he begins serving 21 years on federal civil rights charges
A weapon was found earlier in the week after threats had been made to assault the facility’s “smallest female” CO
Inmates filed a petition seeking reduction of their sentences, citing two years of alleged unconstitutional conditions
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $2,000 per escapee
Colette Peters would be the 11th person to lead the Bureau of Prisons since its founding more than 90 years ago
The probe is looking into the overuse of solitary confinement and deaths of seven inmates over a two-year period
Gary Mohr would become the 11th person to lead the Bureau of Prisons since its founding more than 90 years ago
The legislation is the latest step by members of Congress to further oversight of the federal prison system
“After failing to protect them, the very least BOP can do now is let these women leave and begin to heal,” an official said
The Justice Department’s inspector general has yet to complete the investigation into lapses that led to the high-profile inmate’s death
Union officials filed multiple whistleblower complaints earlier this year
“They continue to say we are going to be fine and no one is in jeopardy, but we are very much in jeopardy,” the union’s president said
Security video showed the officer walking around, rather than through, a stationary metal detector when he entered the facility
The union is calling for more resources, including a mail scanner, to help reduce the risk to officers
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