The Trump administration has launched the largest expansion of immigration detention in United States 🇺🇸 history, pouring billions into new and expanded facilities. On July 22, 2025, officials awarded a contract for a massive new detention center at Fort Bliss, Texas, signaling a sharp shift toward mass detention and deportation. This move, backed by a sweeping new law and record funding, is already changing the lives of tens of thousands of immigrants, raising urgent questions about oversight, human rights, and the future of U.S. immigration policy.
Billions Allocated for Detention Expansion
In June 2025, President Trump signed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping law that allocates $45 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to contract with private companies for mass immigration detention. The law is part of a broader $170 billion package for immigration and border enforcement, marking a 265% increase in ICE’s detention budget and tripling the agency’s overall enforcement and deportation operations budget.
The centerpiece of this expansion is the new Fort Bliss immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas. With a planned capacity of 5,000 beds, it will be the largest facility of its kind in the country. The site, located on a sprawling Army base, will serve as a central hub for deportations, using the base’s airport and over one million acres of land for operations.
Private Contractors Take Center Stage
The Trump administration’s approach relies heavily on private, for-profit companies to build and operate these new facilities. Two corporations, CoreCivic and GEO Group, now control about 90% of U.S. immigration detention capacity. In 2025 alone, these companies have received at least nine new or expanded contracts, including reopening previously closed centers and enlarging existing ones.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this reliance on private contractors has sparked concerns about transparency, accountability, and the influence of corporate donations on immigration policy. Reports show that CoreCivic and GEO Group donated nearly $2.8 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign and inaugural fund, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Record Numbers in Detention
As of June 20, 2025, more than 56,000 people are held daily in immigration detention centers across the United States 🇺🇸—a 40% increase from the previous year and the highest number ever recorded. Notably, nearly 72% of those detained have no criminal history, highlighting the broad reach of the new enforcement policies.
The new funding enables ICE to detain at least 116,000 non-citizens each day, more than double the previous capacity. This includes a return to family detention, reversing earlier moves to limit the practice. The budget specifically sets aside money for new family detention centers, meaning more parents and children will be held together while their cases are processed.
How the New System Works
The process starts with ICE issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to private companies, who then build and operate the facilities. The Fort Bliss center, for example, will use tent structures for quick setup and the ability to expand or contract as needed. Once operational, the center will serve as a key location for detaining and processing immigrants before deportation.
Under Executive Order 14159, anyone suspected of violating immigration laws can be detained for the entire duration of their removal proceedings, “to the extent permitted by law.” This policy is enforced nationwide, with ICE increasing raids and apprehensions in communities across the country.
Oversight and Accountability Concerns
Advocacy groups and oversight organizations have raised alarms about the rapid expansion and the heavy use of private contractors. Groups like Human Rights Watch, the American Immigration Council, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) warn that oversight is limited, especially with so many new contracts and facilities coming online so quickly.
There are calls to strengthen independent oversight bodies, such as the Office of Immigration Detention Oversight (OIDO) and the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL). These organizations are tasked with monitoring detention conditions and investigating reports of abuse or neglect. However, critics say their resources and authority have not kept pace with the scale of the new detention system.
Human Rights and Living Conditions
Reports from existing facilities document serious problems, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of access to medical care. With the expansion, many fear these issues will only get worse. Human Rights Watch has documented violations of both international and U.S. standards in current centers, and the new Fort Bliss facility’s tent-based design has raised additional concerns about safety and comfort, especially during extreme weather.
A spokesperson for the American Immigration Council said, “We are deeply worried that the rush to build new centers, especially using tents, will lead to even more overcrowding and unsafe conditions. Families and children should not be held in these environments.”
Healthcare Impact and Broader Effects
The new law’s passage has had ripple effects beyond immigration. To fund the massive increase in detention and enforcement, Congress reallocated money from other programs, including healthcare. As a result, an estimated 12–17 million Americans have lost healthcare coverage, sparking outrage from medical groups and community leaders.
For immigrant families, the impact is direct and personal. Many now live in fear of sudden raids and detention, while others worry about being separated from loved ones. Community organizations report a sharp increase in calls for legal help and support services.
Supporters and Critics: A Deep Divide
Supporters of the Trump administration’s policy argue that the expansion is necessary to protect national security and enforce immigration laws. They say that stronger detention and deportation measures will deter illegal entry and restore order at the border.
President Trump has said, “We are taking bold action to secure our borders and keep Americans safe. The new facilities at Fort Bliss and across the country will ensure that our laws are enforced and our communities are protected.”
However, critics argue that the policy is harsh, ineffective, and harmful to families and communities. They point to the high number of non-criminals in detention, the lack of due process, and the diversion of funds from essential services like healthcare.
A legal expert from CREW stated, “This is not just about immigration. It’s about basic rights, government accountability, and the influence of money in our political system. We need much stronger oversight and a real debate about the direction of our country.”
Legislative and Legal Battles Ahead
The “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” passed Congress with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance, highlighting the deep divisions in Washington over immigration policy. Lawmakers continue to debate the need for increased oversight, limits on private contractor influence, and improvements to detention conditions.
Multiple lawsuits are expected from advocacy groups challenging both the legality of mass detention and the conditions in the new and expanded centers. These legal battles could shape how the policy is implemented and whether some aspects are blocked or changed.
Historical Context: A Sharp Policy Shift
President Trump’s second term has seen a rapid escalation in immigration enforcement, reversing many policies from the previous administration. Earlier efforts to limit detention and prioritize alternatives for families and non-criminal immigrants have been replaced by a focus on mass detention and expedited removal.
The Laken Riley Act and Executive Order 14159 provide the legal framework for these changes, giving ICE broad authority to detain and remove non-citizens. This marks a return to, and expansion of, policies that were controversial during Trump’s first term.
What’s Next: Facility Openings and Community Impact
The Fort Bliss immigration detention center is expected to open in late 2025, with additional facilities planned or under construction in Texas, New Jersey, and Florida. The scale and speed of the expansion mean that tens of thousands more people could soon be held in detention each day.
President Trump signed the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill Act’
More than 56,000 people held daily in immigration detention
Contract awarded for new detention center at Fort Bliss, Texas
Fort Bliss immigration detention center expected to open
ICE to detain at least 116,000 non-citizens each day
For affected communities, the changes bring uncertainty and fear. Immigrant families worry about being separated, while local governments and service providers scramble to respond to new needs. Advocacy groups are stepping up efforts to provide legal aid, monitor conditions, and push for policy changes.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Families
If you or someone you know is affected by the new detention policies, it’s important to:
- Know your rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has certain rights, regardless of immigration status. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer if detained.
- Seek legal help: Contact a trusted immigration attorney or a local legal aid organization for advice and support.
- Stay informed: Policy changes are happening quickly. Check official sources like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the latest updates.
- Document your situation: Keep copies of important documents and contact information for family members and legal representatives.
Oversight and Calls for Reform
As the new system rolls out, calls for stronger oversight and reform are growing louder. Advocacy groups are urging Congress to:
- Increase funding and authority for independent oversight bodies like OIDO and CRCL
- Require regular public reporting on detention conditions and spending
- Limit the role of private contractors in immigration detention
- Restore funding for healthcare and other essential services
Some lawmakers are also pushing for alternatives to detention, such as community-based programs and electronic monitoring, which have been shown to be effective and less costly.
Ethics and Transparency: The Role of Money in Policy
The close relationship between private contractors and government officials remains a major concern. With CoreCivic and GEO Group controlling most of the detention capacity and making large political donations, watchdog groups warn of potential conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has called for new rules to limit contractor influence and require full disclosure of political contributions. They argue that public policy should be driven by the public interest, not corporate profits.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for U.S. Immigration Policy
The expansion of immigration detention under President Trump marks a defining moment for the United States 🇺🇸. With billions in new funding, record numbers in detention, and a growing role for private companies, the country faces tough questions about its values, priorities, and the treatment of immigrants.
For immigrants, families, and communities, the changes bring real and immediate challenges. For policymakers and advocates, the debate over detention, oversight, and human rights is far from over. As new facilities like Fort Bliss come online, the nation will watch closely to see how these policies play out—and what they mean for the future of immigration in the United States 🇺🇸.
For more information on immigration detention and your rights, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency enforcing immigration laws and managing detention centers.
Fort Bliss → A large military base in Texas hosting the country’s biggest immigration detention center with 5,000 beds.
One Big, Beautiful Bill Act → 2025 federal law allocating $45 billion to vastly expand immigration detention and enforcement.
Executive Order 14159 → Policy allowing detention throughout removal proceedings for suspected immigration law violators.
Private Contractors → Corporations like CoreCivic and GEO Group hired to build and operate detention facilities.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Trump administration’s $45 billion boost fuels the largest immigration detention expansion, including Fort Bliss’s 5,000-bed center. Private contractors dominate this system, detaining record numbers daily, raising urgent concerns on human rights, oversight, and policy direction for U.S. immigration enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
