Trump’s Plan to Hold Migrants at Military Bases Is Taking Shape

Where Things Stand

The federal government has begun using Fort Bliss near El Paso as a detention and processing site for migrants. Officials confirmed that migrants began arriving on August 1st and that capacity is expected to reach 1,000 detainees by August 17th. Plans call for a buildout to accommodate as many as 5,000 beds, which would make Fort Bliss the largest civil immigration detention site in the country. 

In parallel, the Defense Department approved the limited use of Camp Atterbury in Indiana and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. These locations are slated to support staging and removal flights during an initial sixty-day period, with a possible expansion after review. Reporting also notes a small increase in detention beds at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station.

The Guardian also reports that Fort Bliss will open a soft-sided complex for approximately 1,000 people this month, with plans to scale up to 5,000. That site is intended to reduce pressure on crowded facilities while removals proceed through ICE Air. 

What Is Being Built and Who Runs It

At Fort Bliss, the project is known as Camp East Montana. Officials describe large climate-controlled tent structures with space for medical care, meals, recreation, attorney visits, and a law library. They say the model is short stay, roughly two weeks on site before removal or transfer, although some people could remain longer depending on operational needs.

The government has hired private contractors to operate these facilities. Published reports indicate that officials selected Acquisition Logistics Company to manage the 5,000-bed Fort Bliss site, despite its lack of experience in detention. A subcontractor tied to the project has also come under scrutiny for earlier labor issues at an affiliated company. Congress recently passed funding to expand detention capacity nationwide and to staff this surge in enforcement. The base model is part of a broader effort to expedite and streamline deportations, utilizing military aircraft and additional personnel.

Why Detention on Military Bases Raises Legal Concerns

There are particular access and supervision issues when detaining civilians on operational military locations. Even if there is a designated location for visits, restricted admission may make it more difficult for attorneys, family members, and independent monitors to access clients and record their conditions.

Timelines also add further pressure. The standard procedure for the site includes a sixty-day flight staging window and an expected stay of approximately fourteen days for many detainees before removal. Compressed calendars can lead to rushed bond requests, hurried evidence collection, and an increased risk of missed filing deadlines.

Conditions and worker safety remain critical. Federal records show that a worker died at Fort Bliss in July and that the Labor Department opened an investigation. That development underscores the importance of having strict safety protocols, medical standards, and attorney access procedures in place as the site scales. Lawmakers have also raised concerns about the potential impact on military readiness. The Guardian notes that elected officials are watching how large civilian operations may affect training and base missions.

What Families Should Do Now

Act quickly and stay organized from the first contact.

First, confirm identity and location. Write down the person’s full name, A number, date of birth, and country of nationality. Use the ICE detainee locator to verify placement once available. Request the facility’s rules for attorney calls and visitation, and maintain a dated log of every call and notice.

Second, retain counsel as soon as you can. An attorney can pursue parole or bond where available, request a stay of removal when appropriate, and prepare filings for relief such as asylum or protection under the Convention Against Torture. Base access may require clearance and scheduling; therefore, be sure to initiate the process promptly.

Third, gather documents. Collect proof of family ties, employment, residency, medical conditions, and any prior immigration filings. Organize country condition evidence and statements that may support fear-based claims. Track every deadline for bond hearings, filings, and appeals.

Fourth, anticipate transfers. The Post reports that officials may stage removal flights from military bases in Indiana and New Jersey, moving Fort Bliss detainees on short notice. Share every update with counsel and keep copies of all documents to preserve legal options. 

Finally, document issues and assert rights. If staff delay attorney calls, neglect medical needs, or deny religious and disability accommodations, record the details carefully. These facts can support requests for release or court intervention. For general planning, review our plain language guide on how enforcement actions can affect families, which includes topics such as Know Your Rights and Community Resources.

If you need immediate help or have an urgent question about a loved one held at a base, you can reach our team through our contact page for a fast response.

How KAASS LAW Can Help

KAASS LAW represents clients in detention and removal matters, including cases arising on military installations. We work to locate clients quickly, establish direct lines of communication with facility staff, and advocate for release on parole or bond where the law allows. We coordinate with families to gather urgent records, document medical needs, and prepare filings under tight timelines. When access to counsel or conditions falls short, we pursue appropriate remedies in federal court.

Our team is ready to help you navigate this changing environment. If your loved one is stationed at Fort Bliss or another military base, please contact us now for a confidential consultation. We will outline the next steps, develop a focused plan, and initiate immediate advocacy to protect your family. Call KAASS LAW, leave it to us!