“There is no specific information that triggered this decision,” said the statement. “This is a precautionary action and is not a response to any significant event that occurs within our facilities.”
Security measures are being stepped up before Induction Day, with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies preparing for the possibility of further violence after protesters stormed the United States Capitol on January 6, leaving five people dead, including one Capitol police officer.
Shane Fausey, president of the Local Prisoners Council, told CNN in a statement that supports the national blockade.
“In consultation with the Council of Local Prisoners, and as a precaution, I can only applaud the leadership of the Federal Prison Bureau for initiating this national blockade,” he said. “With patience and support from the American people, I am confident that the Bureau of Prisons and our excellent employees will resume normal operations.”
Inmates will have limited access to phones and e-mail to stay in touch with their families, the BOP said. The agency added that it hopes to remove the block after a short period of time and that operations will return to normal “as soon as possible”.