Full Breakdown
Allegations of Abuse at ICE’s Camp East Montana Detention Center
7/15/2026, 10:03:55 PM
Report Findings
A joint 84-page investigation released on July 15 2026 by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union details systematic mistreatment at Camp East Montana, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility located on the U.S. Army’s Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Over a five-month period the researchers contacted 71 detainees; 64 (about 90 percent) reported personal assaults by staff or witnessing physical abuse. The report also documents denied medical care, filthy living conditions, inedible meals, and restrictions on contacting lawyers or family members. Since the center opened in August, at least three detainees have died, including a 55-year-old Cuban migrant who was handcuffed and stopped breathing after being held down by guards.
Official Response
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. No ICE spokesperson or DHS official has issued a public statement addressing the specific allegations outlined in the report.
Criticism & Opposition
Human rights advocates characterize the facility as a “human rights disaster” and call for its immediate shutdown. They urge independent investigations into all reported abuses and deaths, and demand an end to mass deportations and mandatory immigration detention. The findings echo earlier reporting by the Associated Press and other outlets, reinforcing concerns that the conditions at Camp East Montana violate basic standards of detainee treatment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ICE’s Camp East Montana is a human rights disaster,” — Angélica César, fellow at Human Rights Watch and the ACLU
- “The U.S. government should shut it down, conduct independent investigations into all abuses and deaths in custody, and put an end to mass deportations and mandatory immigration detention.” — Angélica César
- “People at Camp East Montana are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and protected from harm.” — Angélica César
What’s Next
The report recommends that federal authorities launch independent investigations and consider closing the detention center, but no concrete governmental action has been announced as of the report’s release.
