Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a new plan to use Camp Atterbury in Indiana and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey as temporary detention centers for immigrants. This move, revealed to lawmakers in July 2025, is part of President Trump’s broader effort to expand immigration detention capacity across the United States 🇺🇸. The plan aims to address the rising number of detentions following more aggressive enforcement and deportation actions, which have included many people without prior criminal records.
The Trump administration’s goal is to increase the number of available detention beds from about 60,000 to 100,000 nationwide. Military bases like Camp Atterbury and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst are expected to provide a large share of this expanded capacity. While no official start date for the arrival of detainees at these bases has been announced, preparations are underway, and the Department of Defense (DoD) is working closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to oversee operations.
Why Military Bases Are Being Used
Both Camp Atterbury and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst have experience housing large groups of people. In recent years, these bases provided temporary shelter for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. This history shows they have the logistical ability to handle large-scale, short-term housing needs. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, using these bases for immigration detention will not harm military readiness or ongoing operations.
The Department of Defense has stated that military activities and training will continue as usual, even with the presence of detainees. ICE will be responsible for running the detention operations on-site, ensuring that federal detention standards are met.
How the Plan Will Work
The process for expanding detention at military bases involves several steps:
- Selection of Bases: The Department of Defense, working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE, chooses bases that have enough space and the right facilities.
- Notification: Lawmakers from Indiana and New Jersey are formally told about the plan to use Camp Atterbury and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
- Preparation: The bases set up specific areas for ICE to use, making sure they meet federal standards for detention.
- Transfer of Detainees: ICE moves detained immigrants from other locations, such as border facilities or local jails, to the military bases.
- Oversight: The Department of Defense and ICE monitor operations, with regular reviews and reports to Congress.
Numbers and Capacity
- Current available beds for detained immigrants: About 60,000
- Target capacity: 100,000 beds nationwide
- Delaney Hall Detention Center (New Jersey): Recently reopened, offering 1,000 beds under a new 15-year contract with ICE. This contract could bring up to $1 billion in revenue for the private company running the center.
No exact numbers have been released for how many detainees will be housed at Camp Atterbury or Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. However, these bases are expected to play a major role in reaching the administration’s target.
Who Is Affected
Detainees:
People detained under the new policy are more likely to be held in large, centralized facilities, often far from their families, lawyers, and community support. This can make it harder for them to get legal help or stay in touch with loved ones. There are also ongoing concerns about the quality of detention conditions and whether detainees will have enough oversight and access to basic services.
Military Installations:
While the Department of Defense insists that military readiness will not be affected, some worry that resources and personnel could be diverted from their main missions. The use of military bases for detention has drawn attention from local communities and advocacy groups, who may organize protests or demand more information about how the bases are being used.
Local Communities:
Communities near Camp Atterbury and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst may experience increased anxiety, especially among immigrant populations. The presence of large detention centers can also have economic effects, such as new federal contracts for private operators or increased demand for local services.
Key Stakeholders and Their Views
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: Leading the plan, he has promised that military operations will not be disrupted.
- President Trump: Driving the policy, focusing on rapid expansion of detention and deportation efforts.
- Tom Homan (Trump’s Border Czar): Says the administration is looking for “any available bed space” that meets federal standards, showing the urgency and scale of the effort.
- Democratic Lawmakers from New Jersey and Indiana: Strongly oppose the plan, raising concerns about military preparedness, detainee conditions, and the use of military resources for immigration enforcement.
- Amol Sinha (ACLU of New Jersey): Warns that housing immigrants in military facilities “sets a dangerous precedent” and goes against constitutional values.
Background: Military Bases and Immigration Detention
Using military bases for immigration detention is not new. In 2014, the Obama administration used military installations to house unaccompanied minors. More recently, Camp Atterbury and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst provided shelter for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. These experiences have shown that military bases can quickly set up large-scale housing, but they have also raised questions about the long-term impact on military operations and the rights of those housed there.
Legal and political challenges have also shaped the current situation. For example, New Jersey passed laws to block immigrant detention in the state, but these laws are being challenged in court. As a result, federal operations can continue while the legal battles play out.
Expansion of Private Detention
Alongside the use of military bases, the Trump administration is also expanding privately-run detention centers. The reopening of Delaney Hall in New Jersey, with a new 15-year contract, is a clear example. This center alone can hold 1,000 detainees and is expected to generate up to $1 billion for the private company that operates it.
This dual approach—using both military and private facilities—shows the administration’s commitment to increasing detention capacity as quickly as possible.
Supporters and Opponents: Different Perspectives
Supporters
The Trump administration and ICE argue that expanding detention is necessary for effective immigration enforcement and public safety. They say that military bases offer secure, scalable options that can handle large numbers of detainees quickly.
Opponents
Democratic lawmakers, civil rights groups, and some legal experts warn that mass detention is unnecessary and harmful. They point to risks for military readiness, civil liberties, and humanitarian standards. Amol Sinha of the ACLU of New Jersey has said that using military bases for detention “sets a dangerous precedent” and could undermine constitutional protections.
Legal experts also highlight ongoing court cases over state efforts to block detention contracts. These legal battles could shape how and where immigrants are detained in the future.
Implications for Affected Communities
For Detainees:
– Distance from Support: Many detainees will be held far from their families and lawyers, making it harder to get legal help or emotional support.
– Conditions and Oversight: There are concerns about whether ICE and the Department of Defense can maintain safe, humane conditions, especially given past criticisms of ICE detention standards.
– Access to Legal Representation: Being held in remote or secure military bases may limit detainees’ ability to meet with lawyers or advocates.
For Military Bases:
– Resource Allocation: Even though officials say military readiness will not be affected, some worry that resources could be stretched thin.
– Community Relations: Local communities may protest or demand more oversight, especially if they feel the presence of detainees affects their safety or reputation.
For Local Economies:
– Economic Impact: The reopening of centers like Delaney Hall brings new federal contracts and jobs, but also raises questions about the role of private companies in immigration enforcement.
Oversight and Accountability
Lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for more transparency about how detainees are treated and how military operations are affected. There are demands for independent monitoring and regular reports to Congress. Some are also pushing for new laws to limit or oversee the use of military bases for immigration detention.
Legal and Political Challenges
The use of military bases for detention is facing legal challenges, especially in states like New Jersey that have tried to block such operations. Courts are still deciding whether state laws can prevent federal detention contracts. The outcome of these cases could have a big impact on the future of immigration detention in the United States 🇺🇸.
Future Outlook
Possible Expansion:
Reports suggest that the Trump administration may use more military bases in other states for detention in the future. This would further increase the number of available beds and could affect more communities across the country.
Legislation and Litigation:
Ongoing court cases and possible new laws in Congress could change how and where immigrants are detained. Lawmakers are watching closely and may take action if they believe detainee rights or military readiness are at risk.
Oversight:
There is growing pressure for independent monitoring of detention conditions and the impact on military operations. Lawmakers want regular updates and more transparency from both ICE and the Department of Defense.
Solution-Oriented Elements
- Calls for Oversight: Lawmakers and advocacy groups are pushing for independent monitoring of detention conditions and regular reports to Congress.
- Legal Support: Organizations like the ACLU are working to ensure detainees have access to legal representation and that their rights are protected.
- Community Engagement: Local communities are organizing to demand more information and oversight, and to support affected families.
What Readers Can Do
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources like the U.S. Department of Defense and ICE for the latest information on detention policies and facility use.
- Support Advocacy Groups: Groups like the ACLU of New Jersey are working to protect detainee rights and can provide ways to get involved.
- Contact Lawmakers: Residents of Indiana and New Jersey can reach out to their representatives to share concerns or ask for more oversight.
Conclusion
The plan led by Pete Hegseth to use Camp Atterbury and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as detention centers marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policy. It reflects the Trump administration’s push to expand detention capacity and enforce immigration laws more aggressively. While supporters argue this is necessary for public safety, opponents warn of risks to civil liberties, military readiness, and humanitarian standards.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the use of military bases for immigration detention is likely to remain a controversial and closely watched issue. The outcome of ongoing legal battles, community responses, and oversight efforts will shape how these policies affect detainees, military operations, and local communities in the months and years ahead.
For more information on immigration detention and official policies, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
Learn Today
Camp Atterbury → A military base in Indiana used for temporary immigrant detention and refugee sheltering purposes.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst → New Jersey military base designated for expanding immigrant detention capacity with ICE operations onsite.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement and managing detention centers.
Detention Beds → Official places available to house immigrants in custody during immigration enforcement processes.
Delaney Hall Detention Center → Privately-managed detention center in New Jersey reopening with 1,000 beds under a 15-year ICE contract.
This Article in a Nutshell
The U.S. government plans to use military bases in Indiana and New Jersey to expand immigrant detention. This aims to increase capacity from 60,000 to 100,000 beds nationwide, managed by ICE with military cooperation. Legal challenges and community opposition raise concerns about detainee rights and military readiness.
— By VisaVerge.com
