DHS Reviews Contract for ICE Tent Facility in El Paso

Facility faces criticism over detainee deaths and measles outbreak

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that it is reviewing the contract for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tent facility in El Paso, Texas. The facility, known as Camp East Montana, has faced criticism from immigrant advocates following the deaths of three detainees and a current measles outbreak.

Why it matters

The review of the ICE tent facility contract comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of detainees and the transparency of the contracting process. The facility has been criticized for its poor medical care and the lack of experience of the company awarded the $1.2 billion contract to build it.

The details

The Camp East Montana detention center was opened in August 2025 by the Trump administration. The facility, located on the grounds of Fort Bliss, has faced criticism from immigrant advocates following the deaths of three detainees and a current measles outbreak. DHS has confirmed that there are currently 14 active measles cases at the facility. DHS claims that medical staff are quarantining all detainees who may have been exposed, but advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about medical neglect and abuse at the facility.

  • The Camp East Montana detention center was opened in August 2025.
  • In December 2025, the ACLU and attorneys with clients being detained at the facility raised concerns about medical neglect and abuse.
  • On March 6, 2026, DHS confirmed that it is reviewing the contract for the ICE tent facility.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. government agency responsible for overseeing the Camp East Montana detention facility.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that operates the Camp East Montana detention facility.

Acquisition Logistics LLC

The Virginia-based company that was awarded a $1.2 billion contract to build the 5,000-bed, short-term detention facility at Camp East Montana.

Crystal Sandoval

An accredited representative with Las Americas Advocacy Center who has attempted to meet with clients at the Camp East Montana facility and has been sounding the alarm about medical neglect.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal

A Democratic U.S. Representative who has called on DHS to provide more transparency about its contracting process and to shut down the Camp East Montana facility.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (DHS)

“This is the best healthcare than many aliens have received in their entire lives.”

— Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DHS)

“I've had people be like, 'I want to be deported because I'm not getting my diabetic medication and if I continue like that, I'm going to have a diabetic coma.'”

— Crystal Sandoval, Accredited representative, Las Americas Advocacy Center (ABC News)

“For months, we have sounded the alarm on the horrific conditions at this facility—from the tragic and preventable deaths of three individuals to the current measles outbreak that has put hundreds at risk. This $1.2 billion contract was awarded to a company with zero experience in detention management, and the results were as predictable as they were disastrous.”

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (ABC News)

What’s next

DHS has not provided a timeline for when it will complete its review of the Camp East Montana contract. The review comes as lawmakers and advocates continue to call for more transparency and accountability around the facility's operations.

The takeaway

The review of the ICE tent facility contract in El Paso highlights the ongoing concerns over the treatment of detainees in immigration detention centers and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the contracting process for these facilities.