Tuberculosis, COVID-19 Outbreaks Plague Largest U.S. Immigration Detention Center

Concerns mount over conditions at Camp East Montana as health issues and deaths raise alarms

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A concerning outbreak of tuberculosis and COVID-19 has been detected at Camp East Montana, the sprawling immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar disclosed two active cases of tuberculosis and 18 cases of COVID-19 following a recent visit, highlighting ongoing issues at the facility that has been plagued by chronic problems since its inception.

Why it matters

The situation at Camp East Montana mirrors broader concerns about the health risks inherent in large-scale immigration detention, with outbreaks of airborne diseases like tuberculosis and COVID-19 raising alarms about the ability to properly care for and protect detainees. This comes as the Department of Homeland Security considers expanding detention capacity in the region, potentially replicating the problems observed at Camp East Montana on an even larger scale.

The details

Camp East Montana, currently holding approximately 3,100 detainees including 325 women, has been the subject of ongoing scrutiny. Escobar noted that 'many of the chronic issues' she's previously reported continue to persist, with approximately one-third of detainees suffering from chronic illnesses and an estimated 200-300 requiring daily insulin. The facility, costing $1.25 billion, is operated by Acquisition Logistics LLC, a company with limited experience in running correctional facilities.

  • On February 7, 2026, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar visited Camp East Montana and disclosed the tuberculosis and COVID-19 cases.
  • In the first six months of operation, three migrants have died at Camp East Montana.

The players

Veronica Escobar

A U.S. Representative who has repeatedly raised concerns about conditions at Camp East Montana.

Acquisition Logistics LLC

The company that operates the Camp East Montana immigration detention center, despite having limited experience in running correctional facilities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Many of the chronic issues I've previously reported continue to persist.”

— Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security is considering building two additional detention centers in El Paso County and the Dallas area, potentially capable of holding up to 9,500 people each. This expansion raises concerns that the problems observed at Camp East Montana could be replicated on an even larger scale.

The takeaway

The health crises at Camp East Montana underscore the broader systemic issues within the U.S. immigration detention system, highlighting the need for increased oversight, improved medical care, and a reevaluation of the reliance on large-scale detention facilities that can pose significant risks to the health and safety of detainees.