Montana Advocates Raise Alarm Over Out-of-State Prison Transfers

Written By Alyssa Kelly

May 6 2026


Governor Greg Gianforte

PO Box 200801

Helena, MT 59620


Director Eric Strauss

Montana Department of Corrections

5 Last Chance Gulch

Helena, MT 59601


RE: Urgent Concerns Regarding Transfer of Incarcerated Montanans to Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility


Governor Gianforte and Director Strauss:


We, the undersigned organizations, write to express urgent concern regarding the Montana Department of Corrections’ decision to transfer incarcerated Montanans from the CoreCivic Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona to Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in Tutwiler, Mississippi. 


While we recognize the challenges of overcrowding, this decision raises serious concerns about transparency, family access, continuity of care, and long-term rehabilitation outcomes. 


Transparency and Decision Making


Given the scale and impact of these transfers, greater transparency is essential. We respectfully request the Department share:


  • The framework and criteria used to evaluate and select out-of-state facilities

  • The number of facilities evaluated and how they compare

  • Differences in programming, medical care, and mental health services between Saguaro Correctional Center, Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility, and any other facilities considered

  • Clear information on what means individuals have to stay in contact with their families, including phone, video, and mail access


Family Connection and Communication


These transfers place incarcerated individuals even farther from their families, creating significant barriers to visitation, communication, and support, all of which are critical components of successful rehabilitation and reentry. Many families, particularly those with limited financial means, will be effectively cut off from their loved ones due to cost and distance. 


We urge the Department to provide timely, direct communication to families and publicly share clear information about transfer timelines, facility procedures, and visitation access.


We are also hearing concerning reports that communication access has been significantly reduced following transfer. As one family shared:


"At MSP he was able to have daily phone calls, he could write letters, send emails, and have video visits with his family and friends. Then one day it was all ripped away from him when he was randomly chosen to be shipped out to Tallahatchie Prison CoreCivic in Tutweiller Mississippi. Now, we don't get phone calls but once every two weeks for 5 minutes at a time, we get video visits once every 2-3 weeks, we are receiving no letters at all."


We urge the Department to:

  • Provide timely, direct communication to families about transfer plans

  • Ensure clear, accessible information about communication systems and visitation

  • Maintain meaningful access to phone calls, video visits, and mail


Continuity of Care and Programming


Transfers risk disrupting access to required programming, medical care, and mental health services, all of which are critical to parole eligibility and reentry success.


We are deeply concerned by reports of inconsistent and unsafe access to medication. As one of the Montana inmates who was transferred to Mississippi shared:


“Pills are frequently screwed up. Sometimes I haven’t received them, many many times they are extremely late, and often the dosage is wrong or entire medications are missing. I’ve even received the wrong medication more than a few times!”


These reports raise serious concerns about medication management, patient safety, and the standard of care in out-of-state facilities.


We request a commitment of uninterrupted access to healthcare and programming, as well as a clear plan ensuring individuals can retain their personal property and services during and after transfer.  


Connection to Culture and Community


For many Montanans, including Native individuals, connection to family, community, and culture is essential to well-being and rehabilitation. Increased distance from home communities further isolates individuals from these critical supports.


We urge meaningful efforts to maintain these connections despite out-of-state placement.


Oversight and Accountability


These transfers warrant legislative oversight and public accountability.


We respectfully request:


  • A formal briefing from the MT Department of Corrections to the Law and Justice Interim Committee, the Criminal Justice Oversight Council, and the Section D Public Safety Interim Budget Committee, with opportunity for public comment.

  • Clear, ongoing reporting on family notification, programming access, and facility conditions.

  • An examination of the long-term impact of out-of-state transfers on rehabilitation and reentry outcomes. 


Montana's reliance on out-of-state facilities underscores the need for long-term, in-state solutions, including serious efforts to reduce Montana’s prison population. This includes releasing parole eligible individuals, reducing penalties and lengthy sentences, and avoiding the creation of new offenses. In the interim, policies must prioritize transparency, human dignity, and successful reentry. 


Thank you for your attention to this matter. We welcome continued engagement. 


Sincerely, 


Catalyst Montana


Sign On Organizations:


ACLU of Montana

Disability Rights Montana

Montana Budget & Policy Center

Western Native Voice

Montana Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

SEIU 775


CC: Law and Justice Interim Committee

Criminal Justice Oversight Council

Public Safety Interim Budget Committee


Alyssa Kelly
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