‘Abject cruelty’: review of 911 calls from Texas ICE detention facility reveals disturbing conditions

An Associated Press investigation revealed disturbing conditions at the Camp East Montana ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas, since its opening in August. Records from 911 calls, interviews, and court filings indicate overcrowding, medical neglect, malnutrition, and emotional distress among the roughly 3,000 detainees. The facility averaged nearly one 911 call per day in its first five months, with reports of assaults, mental health crises, and medical emergencies, including seizures and injuries. Two deaths have occurred, one ruled a homicide caused by asphyxia during restraint. Detainees describe unsanitary conditions, inadequate healthcare and food, and fear of security guards. A DHS spokesperson disputed claims of substandard conditions, asserting that detainees receive adequate care.

Data from 911 calls, detainee interviews, and court filings reveal troubling conditions at the Camp East Montana immigrant detention center in El Paso, Texas. The reports, dated around February and March 2026, indicate frequent medical emergencies, including suicide attempts, seizures, and injuries from fights. The evidence suggests that the facility, located on a U.S. Army base, suffers from overcrowding, medical neglect, and malnutrition. Detainees have reported emotional distress and a lack of necessary medical care, such as medication for chronic conditions. The facility, comprised of hardened tents, was initially built by the Trump administration.

An Associated Press report reveals serious issues at the Camp East Montana immigrant detention center in El Paso, Texas, the largest ICE facility in the U.S. Data from 911 calls, interviews, and court filings describe overcrowding, medical neglect, malnutrition, and emotional distress since the camp's opening in mid-August. Detainees report unsanitary conditions, difficulty accessing healthcare, inadequate food, and fear of security guards. The camp averaged nearly one 911 call per day in its first five months, including reports of assaults, suicide attempts, seizures, and medical emergencies involving pregnant women and elderly detainees. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson disputes claims of substandard conditions, asserting that detainees receive adequate care.