Report: Detainees at ICE facility in Texas report frequent beatings and other human rights abuses
The 84-page report says 64 of 71 detainees interviewed reported assaults or witnessed abuse, and it urges the camp’s closure.
- On Wednesday, Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union released a joint 84-page report documenting systemic abuse, medical neglect, and physical violence at Camp East Montana, the detention facility at Fort Bliss in Texas.
- The facility consists of soft-sided tent structures holding up to 5,000 people, with an internal ICE review documenting 49 deficiencies in use of force, security, and medical care; advocates report serious problems have persisted despite contractor changes.
- About 90% of 71 detainees interviewed reported physical abuse by guards or witnessed others being beaten. At least three deaths have occurred since the facility opened in August, including a 55-year-old Cuban migrant whose death was ruled a homicide.
- Human Rights Watch researcher Angélica César called for immediate closure, stating "The U.S. government should shut it down, conduct independent investigations into all abuses and deaths in custody." The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
- Advocates argue these abuses reflect the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda and erosion of federal oversight, which prior reports found contributed to detainee deaths and wasted tax dollars enriching contractors.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Human Rights Watch report details abuse at immigration detention center
People held in the immigration detention camp at the Fort Bliss military base in Texas have experienced beatings and life-threatening medical neglect, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Detainees at Texas ICE facility report frequent beatings and abuse
At least three detainees held at the Texas facility since it opened in August have died
Associated Press News
Report: Detainees at ICE facility in Texas report frequent beatings and other human rights abuses
A new report from human rights advocates says 90% of detainees interviewed at a sprawling ICE facility in Texas say they were either beaten by guards or witnessed others being beaten.
US: Deaths, Neglect in Fort Bliss Immigration Detention
Click to expand Image Protesters opposing mass deportations by ICE hold signs during a demonstration held outside of Fort Bliss, the US Army base where a large new ICE detention facility is being built, in El Paso, Texas, August 17, 2025. © 2025 REUTERS/Paul Ratje (Washington, DC) – People held in the immigration detention camp at the US Army’s Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas have experienced serious abuse, Human Rights Watch and the American Civil…
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