local
Historic La Tuna federal prison slated for closure as Bureau of Prisons restructures
By Robert Moore at El Paso Matters
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
The La Tuna federal prison complex, which has operated in Anthony, Texas, since 1932, will be closed in an effort by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to address decades of deferred maintenance and staffing challenges, federal officials said Wednesday.
“These actions are necessary to address longstan...
Key takeaway The statement from the Bureau of Prisons said that while some employees of prisons being closed or downsized will be reassigned, the staff at La Tuna will be laid off.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The closure of La Tuna federal prison will have a significant impact on the local economy, particularly in Anthony, Texas, where the prison has been a major employer since 1932. The loss of jobs will be felt throughout the community, as many residents rely on the prison for employment. The prison's historic significance, with its Spanish mission style architecture designed by El Paso architect Henry Trost, will also be preserved, but its future use remains uncertain. As the Bureau of Prisons restructures, it is crucial for local leaders to work together to find alternative uses for the facility and support the employees who will be laid off. The closure of La Tuna is also part of a larger trend of prison closures in Texas, with facilities in Beaumont and Big Spring also slated for closure, which will require a coordinated effort to address the economic and social implications.
About this story
Original reporting by El Paso Matters . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit El Paso Matters . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: El Paso Matters ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The La Tuna federal prison complex, which has operated in Anthony, Texas, since 1932, will be closed in an effort by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to address decades of deferred maintenance and staffing challenges, federal officials said Wednesday.
“These actions are necessary to address longstan...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by El Paso Matters and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Robert Moore at El Paso Matters. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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