(EL PASO) The United States 🇺🇸 is building its largest immigration detention center at Fort Bliss, El Paso, with a 5,000-bed tent camp set to open by September 2027. This new facility, funded by a $1.26 billion federal investment, is at the heart of a national debate over immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities.
A Massive Expansion in Detention
On July 22, 2025, the Department of Defense awarded a contract to Acquisition Logistics LLC, a Virginia-based company, to build and run the new Fort Bliss immigration detention center. This company has no previous experience managing detention centers, raising questions about oversight and safety. The federal government paid $232 million upfront, making this project a key part of President Trump’s push to expand detention capacity in response to stricter immigration enforcement policies.
Congress approved a $170 billion budget for immigration and border enforcement on July 1, 2025. Of this, $45 billion is set aside for new detention centers, a huge increase from past years. The budget also triples funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, aiming to support the daily detention of at least 116,000 non-citizens—far more than the current federal prison population.
Current Conditions and Overcrowding
As of late June 2025, ICE is detaining about 59,000 people nationwide, with daily averages over 46,000 since January. This means detention centers are operating at over 140% of their official capacity. The number of people detained has jumped by 40% since June 2024. The Adams County Detention Center in Mississippi currently holds the most ICE detainees, averaging 2,170 per day.
Most ICE detainees—over 86%—are held in privately run facilities. Companies like CoreCivic and GEO Group have seen their profits rise as the government awards more contracts. The new Fort Bliss facility continues this trend, with a private contractor in charge under federal oversight.
Divided Community in El Paso
El Paso’s leaders and residents are split over the new immigration detention center at Fort Bliss. Some see it as an economic boost, bringing jobs and federal money to a region that has struggled financially. Others worry it will damage the city’s reputation, increase social tensions, and lead to more human rights problems.
City council member Maria Torres said, “We need jobs, but not at the cost of becoming known for locking up families and children. This is not the legacy we want for El Paso.”
Supporters argue that the center will create hundreds of jobs and bring much-needed investment. Local business owner Javier Martinez said, “This project will help our economy and provide stable work for many families.”
Concerns from Advocacy Groups
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and the American Immigration Council, have strongly criticized the expansion. They point to reports of overcrowding, poor conditions, and the detention of thousands of people without criminal records. In tent facilities like the one planned for Fort Bliss, detainees often face extreme heat and lack basic necessities.
Recent reports describe people being shackled for long periods, denied medical care, and kept in unsafe conditions. Over 47% of current detainees have no criminal record, and less than 30% have only minor offenses.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this rapid expansion does not address deeper problems in the immigration system, such as court backlogs and limited legal pathways for migrants. Instead, it risks causing long-term harm to families and communities.
How the System Works
- Arrest and Detention: ICE arrests people suspected of being in the country without legal status. Many are transferred to remote facilities, far from family and legal help.
- Detention Length: Detainees can be held for months or even years while waiting for court hearings.
- Legal Access: Many are deported without seeing a lawyer or getting a fair hearing, especially with the current cap of 800 immigration judges despite record backlogs.
For more information on ICE detention and procedures, readers can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
Policy and Practical Effects
The new Fort Bliss immigration detention center will likely mean more people—including asylum seekers, long-term residents, and families—will be held in detention. This can separate families and make it harder for people to get legal help. The focus on detention, rather than fixing legal pathways or court delays, is expected to make backlogs worse and keep people in detention longer.
For El Paso and similar towns, the promise of jobs and investment is weighed against the risk of becoming known for mass incarceration and human rights issues. Some worry that the city’s image will suffer, making it harder to attract new businesses or residents.
Multiple Perspectives
- Supporters: Believe the center will bring jobs, money, and better border security.
- Opponents: Worry about human rights abuses, community stigma, and the moral cost of detaining so many people.
- Experts: Say the expansion is driven by politics, not evidence, and warn of long-term harm to both detainees and host communities.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The United States 🇺🇸 already has the world’s largest immigration detention system, with a long history of using private contractors and temporary facilities. The current expansion, centered on Fort Bliss, is the biggest ever, fueled by promises of mass deportation and tighter border security.
Legal challenges and advocacy campaigns are expected to grow as construction continues through 2027. Congressional oversight and future budget decisions could change how the system operates. The debate over detention will likely remain a key issue in the 2026 midterm elections and beyond.
Possible Solutions and Next Steps
- Legal Reforms: Many experts and advocates call for more immigration judges, better legal access for detainees, and alternatives to detention, such as community-based programs.
- Community Response: Local leaders can push for oversight, transparency, and support services for affected families.
- Public Awareness: Residents and organizations can stay informed and involved by following updates from official sources and advocacy groups.
Actionable Guidance
If you or someone you know is affected by detention at Fort Bliss or elsewhere, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Local legal aid groups and national organizations like the American Immigration Council can provide support. Staying informed about your rights and the latest policy changes can help you make better decisions during this challenging time.
The opening of the Fort Bliss immigration detention center in El Paso will shape the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. As the debate continues, the voices of local residents, advocates, and policymakers will play a key role in deciding what comes next.
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