Camp East Montana — Fort Bliss ICE Tent Detention Camp
Overview
Camp East Montana is a tent-based detention camp on Fort Bliss military installation in El Paso, Texas. It currently holds over 3,000 people at any time and has become one of the most notorious facilities in the ICE system. Constructed in a matter of months, it opened in August 2025 with dozens of violations of detention standards.
Key Details
- Location: Fort Bliss military installation, El Paso, TX
- Opened: August 2025
- Capacity: 3,000+ at any time
- Type: Tent facility on military base
- Cost: Part of $1.2 billion Army contract
Deaths and Conditions
As of early 2026, three people have died at the facility since it opened. It has become the facility with the most ICE detention deaths in the current period, drawing NPR investigation.
Documented Conditions
- At least two active cases of tuberculosis
- Nearly 20 cases of COVID-19
- Reports of rotten food
- Inadequate access to water
- Improper medical care
- Physical abuse by staff
Operator Change
In March 2026, reports emerged that ICE is replacing the operator of Camp East Montana, though the camp itself will remain open under a new contract.
Context
The $1.2 billion Army contract to build this facility drew PBS investigation into the mystery surrounding its approval. Camp East Montana operates alongside the planned El Paso Eastwind mega-center (8,500 beds), making the El Paso region the epicenter of ICE detention.
Sources
- New Detention Camp at Fort Bliss Marks Dangerous Expansion — ACLU
- ICE detention deaths are on a record pace. One Texas facility bears the brunt — NPR
- Mystery surrounds $1.2 billion Army contract to build huge detention tent camp — PBS
- Camp East Montana ICE detention camp to remain open under new operator — El Paso Matters