Justice Department Moves 10 Commuted Death Row Inmates to Supermax Prison

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department has transferred 10 inmates, whose death sentences were commuted by President Joe Biden, to the nation’s high-security supermax prison, officials said Friday. These transfers are part of a broader plan to relocate a total of 37 former death row prisoners to the facility, with additional moves expected in the coming weeks.

The inmates were originally sentenced to death but had their sentences reduced following Biden’s decision to commute all federal death row sentences earlier this year. The Justice Department has since been managing the logistics of relocating these individuals from various federal prisons to the supermax facility, which is designed to house inmates requiring the highest level of security and control.

The supermax prison, officially known as the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX) in Florence, Colorado, is considered the most secure federal prison in the country. It is intended for inmates deemed highly dangerous or requiring strict isolation. The transfer of these former death row inmates to ADX reflects the department’s efforts to oversee their incarceration under stringent conditions.

Officials declined to provide details on the specific inmates transferred or the timeline for the remaining transfers, citing security concerns. However, they confirmed that the process is ongoing and that all moves are being conducted in accordance with federal regulations and protocols.

The Biden administration’s decision to commute federal death sentences marked a significant shift in federal criminal justice policy. Prior to this, the federal government had resumed executions in 2020 after a 17-year hiatus. The moratorium on federal executions and the commutations have sparked debate among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and victims’ families.

Legal experts note that commuting death sentences does not equate to releasing inmates; rather, it reduces their sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The transfers to the supermax prison ensure that these individuals remain in secure custody.

The Justice Department has emphasized its commitment to maintaining public safety while implementing the administration’s directives on federal death penalty policy. The department continues to review the cases of all federal inmates affected by the commutations to determine appropriate housing and security measures.

The relocation of these inmates to ADX also underscores the challenges faced by the Bureau of Prisons in managing a population with complex security needs. The supermax facility is equipped to handle inmates who pose significant risks to others or themselves, providing a controlled environment that limits contact and movement.

As the Justice Department proceeds with the remaining transfers, it is expected to coordinate closely with prison officials and monitor the inmates’ adjustment to their new housing. The department has not indicated whether any of the inmates will be eligible for future sentence reviews or changes in custody status.

This development follows months of preparation since the commutations were announced, reflecting the logistical and security considerations involved in housing a group of inmates who were formerly on death row. The Justice Department’s actions highlight the complexities of implementing criminal justice reforms at the federal level.