Summary
Women at a large immigration detention center in West Texas reported poor living conditions, including overcrowding and lack of basic supplies, such as hygiene products. The center is part of President Donald Trump's expanded immigration program, which has faced criticism over its management and conditions.
Key Facts
- The detention center is at Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, and it is currently the largest ICE facility in the U.S.
- As of early 2026, the facility holds over 2,700 detainees, though it was originally built for 1,000.
- Women in the center reported limited medical care, unsanitary conditions, and confrontations with guards.
- Some detainees, including those with permanent U.S. residency, reported lack of access to natural light and basic hygiene products.
- Three deaths have occurred at the facility since its opening in August 2025, with two causes under investigation.
- The facility was built and is managed by a small Virginia-based business without prior experience in running detention sites.
- Emergency services responded to about 90 calls from the center between August and December 2025 for various crises.
- ICE data shows a record number of people in U.S. immigration detention, with about 73,000 detainees as of December 2025.
