Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Targets ICE Over Alleged Human Rights Violations at Camp East Montana
5/30/2026, 8:18:57 PM
Lawsuit Over Conditions at Camp East Montana
On May 24, 2026, ACLU of Texas and national ACLU, Texas Civil Rights Project, Human Rights Watch, and Farella Braun + Martel filed suit in court. Complaint, on behalf of four detainees, alleges ICE’s operation of Camp East Montana violates Fifth Amendment by imposing punishment through medical neglect, abuse, inadequate food, and denial of attorney access.
Background & Context
Camp East Montana is a tented detention complex on Fort Bliss in east El Paso, opened in August 2025 under Trump administration. Designed for 5,000 beds, it held over 2,500 detainees by April 2, 2026, making it largest immigration detention facility.
Plaintiffs & Supporting Organizations
The plaintiffs are Gerald Akari Angye, a Cameroonian teacher; Navdeep, a detainee; ZOR, another detainee; and another unnamed individual. Supporting groups include ACLU of Texas and National Prison Project, Texas Civil Rights Project, Human Rights Watch, Farella Braun + Martel, Estrella del Paso and Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center.
Data & Statistics
ICE inspectors documented at least three detainee deaths, one a homicide, and nearly 50 detention-standard violations. A measles outbreak infected 14 detainees. Detainees report spoiled food, dust-storm exposure, solitary confinement, and coercive deportation threats.
Official Statements & Responses
ICE officials say conditions meet federal standards and, in March 2026, announced a new primary operator with higher medical-care standards and tighter oversight. DHS declined comment when contacted by the Texas Tribune.
Criticism & Opposition
The plaintiffs’ counsel argue the camp’s conditions constitute deliberate indifference, violating constitutional rights. They cite systemic medical neglect, physical and sexual abuse, insufficient nutrition, and barriers to legal counsel despite ICE’s operator change.
On-the-Ground Reports
Angye reports being beaten, hospitalized, placed in a wheelchair and held in solitary for 15 days. Navdeep says he feels like a “political pawn” in a tent “not designed for human life,” fearing death and cover-ups. ZOR alleges guards broke three of his teeth, seized his crucifix, and repeatedly attempted deportation despite a court order prohibiting removal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the death tally—three confirmed, with a single homicide noted. ICE reports terminating the original operator but retaining the same medical provider, Loyal Source Government Services, leaving the effect on care unclear. Precise data on dust-storm exposure and detainee weight loss remain undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Camp East Montana is nothing short of a civil rights catastrophe,” — Kyle Virgien, senior staff attorney, ACLU National Prison Project
- “No one deserves such cruel treatment,” — Gerald Akari Angye, detainee
- “Camp East Montana is at the epicenter of the administration’s cruel deportation agenda,” — Savannah Kumar, staff attorney, ACLU Texas
- “We could die here, and it feels like no one here would care.” — Navdeep, detainee (pseudonym)
What’s Next
The suit seeks an injunction halting ICE’s operation of the camp and requests class-action status for current and future detainees. A hearing is set for this summer, and a court order could force remediation or closure pending compliance.
