Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to expand the use of military bases in New Jersey and Indiana to hold immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally. This initiative includes increasing the number of immigrants detained at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Department of Defense approved the request from DHS.
Key Facts
- DHS will use Camp Atterbury in Indiana and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey for immigrant detention.
- The approval is valid until September 30, 2025, if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) maintains 24/7 oversight.
- ICE staff and contractors will provide care, including meals and medical services, for detained immigrants.
- Guantanamo Bay will also increase its capacity to hold immigrants from 200 to about 400 people.
- DHS currently has 57,000 people in immigration detention but only about 41,000 beds.
- Camp Atterbury will assist with removals from Chicago, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst from Newark, and Guantanamo Bay from Miami.
- DHS will pay for any costs related to detentions at the bases in New Jersey and Indiana.
- A DHS request for military air transport support was denied until more details were provided.
