ICE Plans to Close Troubled 'Tent City' in Texas

The move follows deaths, a measles outbreak, and reports of abusive conditions at the Fort Bliss facility.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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An internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo indicates the agency is moving to end its contract for Camp East Montana, a sprawling detention complex next to Fort Bliss that opened in August 2025 under a $1.2 billion deal. The facility, which was meant to be a template for a new wave of immigration lockups, has faced numerous problems including violations of federal detention standards, deaths of detainees, and allegations of abuse.

Why it matters

The potential closure of the troubled Camp East Montana facility highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrants in ICE custody and the broader debate over the agency's detention practices. The facility's issues have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and civil rights groups, raising questions about the government's ability to properly manage large-scale immigration detention centers.

The details

According to the internal ICE memo, the agency is drafting a termination letter for the Camp East Montana contract, though no timetable or explanation is provided. The facility was meant to be a quick-build holding site where migrants would stay for about two weeks before deportation or release, but many have been held for months in giant, warehouse-style tents. ICE's own inspectors reported at least 60 violations of federal detention standards in the first 50 days after the facility opened, including gaps in medical intake, poor access to lawyers, and weak safety procedures. Detainees have also reported being beaten for protesting conditions or refusing food, and three detainees have died at the facility in the past two months.

  • Camp East Montana opened on August 1, 2025 under a $1.2 billion contract running through 2027.
  • In the first 50 days after opening, ICE inspectors reported at least 60 violations of federal detention standards.
  • Three detainees died at the facility in December 2025 and January 2026.
  • As of recent weeks, the camp's population has fallen to around 1,500 detainees, about half as many as in January 2026.

The players

Camp East Montana

A sprawling detention complex next to Fort Bliss in Texas that was meant to be a template for a new wave of immigration lockups.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that operates the Camp East Montana detention facility and is now moving to end its contract for the troubled facility.

Veronica Escobar

A Democratic U.S. Representative whose district includes the Camp East Montana facility, and who has called for the facility to be shut down.

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What they’re saying

“There has been nothing but crisis after crisis inside the walls of this tent city.”

— Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative (NBC News)

“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, Homeland Security Spokeswoman (newser.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The potential closure of the troubled Camp East Montana facility highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrants in ICE custody and the broader debate over the agency's detention practices. The facility's issues have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and civil rights groups, raising questions about the government's ability to properly manage large-scale immigration detention centers.