The DOJ notified California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Maine Gov. Janet Mills that it will investigate whether their states engage in a “pattern or practice of violating the constitutional rights of female prisoners.” The review will focus on the California Institution for Women in San Bernardino County, the Central California Women’s Facility in Madera County, and the Maine Correctional Center in Windham.

Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that “keeping men out of women’s prisons is not only common sense – it’s a matter of safety and constitutional rights,” adding that the Trump administration will not ignore policies that endanger biological women under the guise of inclusion.

California law allows inmates to request placement based on gender identity, while Maine permits housing aligned with gender identity unless it presents a significant management or security concern. DOJ cited allegations in California of sexual assault, rape, voyeurism, and intimidation tied to housing policies. In Maine, the department will review claims that a transgender inmate remained housed with women despite complaints of harassment or assault.

Reports detail Andrea Balcer, a transgender woman in Maine serving a sentence for a double murder conviction, who allegedly groped or harassed fellow inmates. Balcer is reported to be 6 feet 1 inch tall and 310 pounds. She has reportedly been in restrictive housing for at least a year.

California prison officials stressed that the state enforces a zero-tolerance policy on sexual assault under federal law. “CDCR is committed to providing a safe, humane, respectful, and rehabilitative environment for all incarcerated people,” said spokesperson Terri Hardy.

Maine’s office dismissed the DOJ review as politically motivated. “This is yet another politically motivated, predetermined investigation designed to target states that stand up to the Trump administration and its abuses,” the statement said.

The investigation marks a continuation of DOJ oversight under the Trump administration of state policies affecting women’s safety and the rights of inmates, focusing on whether gender-identity policies conflict with constitutional protections for biological women.