DHS Reviewing Troubled Migrant Detention Facility at Fort Bliss

Agency says it is looking to improve conditions at the largest migrant detention center in the country amid reports of abuse and neglect.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is conducting a review of its largest migrant detention center, Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, amid reports of illness, abuse, and inhumane conditions. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says it is 'always looking at ways to improve our detention facilities' and that no decisions have been made about the facility's future. However, internal documents indicate ICE plans to terminate the $1.2 billion contract for the facility, which opened less than a year ago.

Why it matters

The Fort Bliss facility has faced intense scrutiny from human rights groups and lawmakers over allegations of physical and sexual abuse, medical neglect, and insufficient food for detainees. At least three people have died at the facility since December, one of which was ruled a homicide. The reported closure of the facility highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrants in U.S. detention centers.

The details

According to the DHS statement, the contract for Camp East Montana, which is currently under evaluation, was 'inherited' from the Defense Department. The agency says it undergoes 'rigorous audits and inspections' to ensure facilities meet its standards, but that 'no decisions have been made related to contract extension, termination, or award.' However, internal documents obtained by The Washington Post indicate ICE plans to terminate the $1.2 billion contract awarded to Acquisition Logistics LLC last July.

  • Camp East Montana opened less than a year ago in 2025.
  • In December 2025, at least three people died at the facility, one of which was ruled a homicide.
  • On Tuesday, 2026-03-05, the facility was temporarily closed to visitors and attorneys due to a measles outbreak, with 14 active cases and 112 individuals in isolation.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement and border protection.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency under DHS that is responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Lauren Bis

Deputy Assistant Secretary at DHS.

Acquisition Logistics LLC

The private company that was awarded a $1.2 billion contract to operate the Camp East Montana detention facility.

Rep. Victoria Escobar

Democratic U.S. Representative whose district includes the Fort Bliss Army base where the Camp East Montana detention facility is located.

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What they’re saying

“ICE is always looking at ways to improve our detention facilities to ensure we are providing the best care to illegal aliens in our custody.”

— Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (KTSM)

“The $1.24 billion cost for this facility could have been used for healthcare, nutrition programs, and a litany of other things to improve our society and our country. Instead, it promoted the dehumanization of immigrants and lined the pockets of a corrupt, incompetent private prison corporation.”

— Rep. Victoria Escobar (The Hill)

What’s next

The DHS review of the Camp East Montana facility is ongoing, and a decision on the contract's future is pending. Lawmakers and human rights groups will likely continue to closely monitor the situation and push for the closure of the facility if the reported abuse and neglect issues are not addressed.

The takeaway

The reported issues at the Fort Bliss migrant detention center underscore the ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in U.S. custody and the reliance on private prison companies to operate these facilities. The DHS review presents an opportunity to improve conditions, but also raises questions about the broader immigration detention system and whether taxpayer funds could be better spent on programs that support vulnerable communities.