Inspection Finds Dozens of Violations at Largest US Migrant Detention Camp

Report cites issues with use of force, facility security, and medical care at $1.2 billion facility in Texas.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:17pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty, sun-drenched detention facility building with a tall barbed wire fence in the foreground, conveying a sense of isolation and melancholy.The latest inspection findings raise ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrants detained at the largest U.S. immigration facility.El Paso Today

A recent inspection by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency found 49 deficiencies in detention standards at the largest migrant detention camp in the United States, located in El Paso, Texas. The issues spanned various areas including use of force, facility security, and medical care at the $1.2 billion Camp East Montana facility.

Why it matters

The findings add to ongoing concerns about conditions at ICE detention centers, which have faced criticism from immigration advocates over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown. At least 14 immigrants have died in ICE custody so far in 2026, following a two-decade high of 31 deaths last year.

The details

The ICE office of detention oversight inspection, conducted over three days in February, defined a 'deficiency' as any violation of detention standards, policies, or operational procedures. The report found 22 deficiencies related to use of force and restraints, 11 related to facility security and control, and 5 related to medical care.

  • The inspection took place over three days in February 2026.
  • The report was released this week.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that oversees the migrant detention camp.

Camp East Montana

The $1.2 billion migrant detention facility located in El Paso, Texas that was the subject of the inspection.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration pursued an aggressive immigration crackdown that has faced criticism from rights groups.

Veronica Escobar

A Texas Democratic U.S. Representative who visited the facility late last year and reported detainees endured foul-tasting drinking water, rotten food, and inadequate healthcare.

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What’s next

It is unclear if the Biden administration will take any immediate action in response to the inspection findings, but the report is likely to add to ongoing calls for reform and oversight of ICE detention centers.

The takeaway

This inspection highlights the continued challenges and concerns around conditions at migrant detention facilities in the U.S., even as the Biden administration has sought to take a more humane approach to immigration enforcement compared to the previous administration.