DOJ Probes Housing of Biological Men in Women’s Prisons in California and Maine

The Justice Department has opened civil-rights investigations into how California and Maine house inmates who are biologically male in women’s prisons, citing potential safety and constitutional-rights concerns for female inmates. In California, state policy under a 2021 law allows transgender prisoners to request transfers to female facilities, with thousands classified as transgender and hundreds seeking transfers. In Maine, prosecutors are reviewing allegations that a biological male inmate remained housed with women despite assault complaints. Both states assert compliance with state and federal law, and the DOJ will assess adherence to the Prison Rape Elimination Act and other protections during the probes.