HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Congresswoman blocked from speaking to detainees at massive Texas ICE tent camp

Sep 22, 2026·Location: El Paso, TX

Rep. Veronica Escobar said ICE restricted her congressional oversight visit to the Camp East Montana detention facility at Fort Bliss, preventing her from speaking with detained immigrants or obtaining surveillance footage of reported disturbances. The facility, the largest ICE detention center in the country with capacity for up to 5,000 people, saw two incidents in early September where detainees allegedly clashed with security staff and damaged property. Escobar said the Trump administration has repeatedly limited lawmakers' ability to conduct oversight despite a federal judge ruling in favor of congressional access.

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