A joint report by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) details allegations of widespread abuse at Camp East Montana, a privately operated immigration detention center inside Fort Bliss Army Base near El Paso, Texas. The report, based on interviews with 71 detainees, describes beatings, medical neglect, malnutrition, and unsanitary living conditions, which the groups say violate U.S. and international human rights laws.
The report is the latest in a series of investigations into conditions at the facility, which has a capacity of 5,000 detainees. Notably, it follows the January 3 death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, whose cause of death was initially attributed to suicide by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Separately, a new ACLU report examines the use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The report, covering enforcement operations from 2025 to the end of last year, found that nearly a third of incidents involved the use or threat of force. The ACLU argues that force has become a 'default tool' for ICE officers, particularly during the Trump administration's aggressive deportation campaign.
DHS has denied the allegations, stating that reports of inhumane conditions are 'categorically false.' The agency claims that detainees receive proper meals, medical care, and opportunities to communicate with family and lawyers.
The ACLU's findings are based on news coverage, press releases, and reports from community groups. The organization argues that the lack of transparency from DHS necessitates independent investigations into ICE's practices.