ICE Says El Paso Detention Facility Will Stay Open Under New Contractor

Camp East Montana to undergo operational upgrades after $1.2B contract scrapped

Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:39am

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced that the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas will remain open and undergo operational upgrades under a new contractor. This comes after reports that the facility could face closure amid scrutiny over its operations. ICE stated the new contract will allow the facility to maintain the "highest detention standards" while expanding oversight, medical care, staffing, and quality assurance.

Why it matters

The continued operation of the Camp East Montana facility is significant as it is a major part of the U.S. government's immigration enforcement efforts. The decision to upgrade the facility under a new contractor suggests the Biden administration's commitment to maintaining detention capacity, despite previous reports of potential closure.

The details

According to ICE, the new contractor will provide increased on-site medical care, additional staffing, and a "PRECISE quality assurance surveillance plan" at the El Paso-area facility. The updated agreement also strengthens ICE's direct oversight of operations at the camp. ICE officials characterized the contract termination as a deliberate effort by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to raise standards and improve services at the facility.

  • The Washington Post reported in March 2026 that the facility could face closure amid scrutiny over operations.
  • ICE announced the new contract and facility upgrades on March 11, 2026.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement, including the operation of detention facilities like Camp East Montana.

Kristi Noem

The current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, who terminated the previous $1.2 billion contract for the Camp East Montana facility.

Camp East Montana

A detention facility located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas that has been used to house thousands of detainees as part of the U.S. government's immigration enforcement efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Camp East Montana is NOT closing, quite the opposite. Rather, ICE has contracted with a new provider following Secretary Noem's termination of the old contract inherited from the Department of War. 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.”

— ICE Spokesperson (Fox News)

What’s next

ICE did not immediately provide details on the identity of the new contractor or the timeline for full implementation of the facility upgrades.

The takeaway

The decision to keep the Camp East Montana detention facility open and undergo operational upgrades under a new contractor signals the Biden administration's continued commitment to immigration enforcement, despite previous reports of the facility's potential closure. This move aims to improve conditions and oversight at the facility, though concerns remain about the treatment of detainees in ICE custody.