ICE Tent Facility in El Paso Under Review After Detainee Deaths and Measles Outbreak

Department of Homeland Security confirms it is reviewing the contract for the controversial detention center.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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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 following the deaths of three detainees and a current measles outbreak. DHS claims the facility is providing the "best healthcare" for detainees, but advocates and lawmakers have raised concerns about widespread medical neglect and the awarding of a $1.2 billion contract to a company with no experience in detention management.

Why it matters

The review of the ICE tent facility in El Paso comes amid growing scrutiny over the treatment of immigrants in detention centers and the government's contracting practices. The facility's issues, including detainee deaths and a measles outbreak, have renewed calls from advocates and lawmakers to improve conditions and increase transparency around these types of detention centers.

The details

The Camp East Montana detention center was opened in August 2018 by the Trump administration on the grounds of Fort Bliss in El Paso. The facility has faced criticism from immigrant advocates following the deaths of three detainees and a current measles outbreak. DHS claims it is "always looking at ways to improve our detention facilities" and is now reviewing the contract for the facility, which was inherited from the Department of War. No decisions have been made yet about the contract's extension, termination, or award.

  • The Camp East Montana detention center was opened in August 2018.
  • Last year, Acquisition Logistics LLC was awarded a $1.2 billion contract to build the 5,000-bed, short-term detention facility with an estimated completion date of September 30, 2027.
  • There is currently a measles outbreak at the facility, with 14 active cases.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration laws.

Acquisition Logistics LLC

A Virginia-based company that was awarded a $1.2 billion contract to build the Camp East Montana detention facility.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington's 7th congressional district.

Crystal Sandoval

An accredited representative with Las Americas Advocacy Center who has attempted to meet with clients detained at the Camp East Montana facility.

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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 (wjtn.com)

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

— Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary (wjtn.com)

“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 (wjtn.com)

“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 (wjtn.com)

What’s next

DHS has not provided a specific timeline for when it will complete its review of the Camp East Montana detention facility contract.

The takeaway

The review of the ICE tent facility in El Paso highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in detention centers and the government's contracting practices. The issues at the facility, including detainee deaths and a measles outbreak, have renewed calls for improved conditions, increased transparency, and more oversight of these types of detention centers.