The entrance to the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Oklahoma, taken July 16, 2015.
On the eve of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration day, federal prisons across the United States were placed on full lockdown indefinitely in an effort to quell any violence that might occur in the prisons.
As Biden’s inauguration day approaches, law enforcement agencies are preparing for possible protests across the United States.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the BOP announced on Saturday (16) “temporary security measures” to secure all 122 federal prison facilities “in light of current events across the country,” which are being implemented “on a high level of vigilance.
It is unclear whether the lockdown was caused by the presidential inauguration on the 20th or the Congressional storming on the 6th.
The BOP confirmed that prison operations have been limited due to the Communist virus outbreak. Tens of thousands of inmates and thousands of prison staff have been infected with the virus in the past year.
“In terms of securing the facility, it is hoped that this cautious measure is only short-term and that (prison) operations will return to their previous state as soon as practicable.” The BOP said in a statement.
“We will continue to monitor developments closely and adjust operations accordingly as the situation continues to evolve.”
The statement added that it is important for inmates to communicate with their families and that they will have access to phones and email to contact their families.
According to the BOP, the decision to lockdown was precautionary only, no clear information contributed to the decision, and the lockdown was not in response to any significant events occurring in the facility.
Shane Fausey, president of the Council of Prison Locals, a union representing about 30,000 prison employees, said the lockdown was the prudent thing to do.
Fausey said in a statement that the BOP and its federal law enforcement professionals train “not only to handle emergencies, but more importantly to prevent serious incidents from occurring. Protecting our communities, the inmates entrusted to our care and all the employees who stand guard at the last line of defense is a responsibility we cannot take lightly.”
Following the storming of Congress, law enforcement agencies have deployed additional personnel around Washington DC and state capitols. Authorities confirmed last week that about 20,000 National Guard members have deployed to Washington. Meanwhile, the FBI issued warnings to all 50 states on the eve of the president’s inauguration day.
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