Measles Outbreak Hits Texas Immigration Detention Facility

13 cases reported at Camp East Montana detention center near El Paso

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Thirteen measles cases have been reported at an immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas, according to state and federal officials. The outbreak comes as lawmakers raise concerns about conditions inside such detention facilities nationwide.

Why it matters

The measles outbreak at the immigration detention facility highlights ongoing issues with health and safety standards at these centers, which have faced criticism over overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. The spread of highly contagious diseases like measles raises serious public health concerns.

The details

The 13 measles cases were reported at the Camp East Montana detention facility just outside El Paso. Those infected have been quarantined, and health officials say they are monitoring the situation and providing proper medical care. The Texas Department of Health has confirmed 17 measles cases overall in El Paso County this month.

  • The measles outbreak was reported on February 28, 2026.
  • Earlier this year, at least two measles cases were reported at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas and another case was confirmed at a detention center in Florence, Arizona.

The players

Lauren Bis

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Veronica Escobar

A Democratic U.S. Representative who represents El Paso and has criticized the operator of the detention facility, Acquisition Logistics, over the conditions and services provided.

Acquisition Logistics

The company that operates the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso.

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What they’re saying

“Medical staff is continuing to monitor the detainees' conditions and will take appropriate and active steps to prevent further infection. All detainees are being provided with proper medical care.”

— Lauren Bis, Spokesperson, Department of Homeland Security

“The reports of measles cases at the detention facility 'should come as no surprise.' [Acquisition Logistics] is 'incompetent,' questioned whether it was meeting federal standards for services like medical attention and said that the company should be investigated.”

— Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative

What’s next

Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation at the detention facility and work to prevent further spread of the measles outbreak.

The takeaway

The measles outbreak at the immigration detention center underscores the ongoing concerns about health and safety standards at these facilities, which have faced criticism over poor conditions that can enable the spread of contagious diseases.