Four detainees have filed a federal lawsuit against Camp East Montana, the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in the U.S. They accuse the facility, located in El Paso, Texas, of severe mistreatment and “horrific” living conditions. The complaint highlights ongoing human rights abuses, including lack of medical care, physical violence, and inadequate hygiene supplies.
The center, on a military base, reportedly houses about 3,000 detainees, yet it has a capacity for 5,000. Detainees claim they face beatings, sexual harassment, and terrible food quality, along with cramped and unsanitary living spaces. They are also struggling with insufficient access to sunlight, clean water, and proper hygiene products.
One plaintiff, Gerald Akari Angye, described enduring extreme violence and being placed in solitary confinement after he was hospitalized from guard abuse. Angye, originally from Cameroon, stated, “No human being should ever have to go through this.”
Another detainee, known as Navdeep, reported unsanitary conditions, including dirty water ruining his sleeping area and having no access to clean clothing for weeks. He expressed concern, stating, “We could die here, and it feels like no one here would care.”
The lawsuit does not just focus on their mistreatment but highlights larger systemic issues within ICE facilities. A January 2026 report revealed 49 violations of detention standards at Camp East Montana, including failures in medical care and inadequate safety checks, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disputed.
Recent statistics show that the detention center has faced significant scrutiny. At least three detainees have died there, with one death labeled a homicide, raising further alarms about safety and treatment practices.
Critics, including advocacy groups and politicians, have called for the closure of facilities like Camp East Montana. Representative Kelly Morrison from Minnesota, who visited the site, expressed her shock at the conditions, comparing the facility to a livestock pen.
DHS officials defend the center, arguing that ICE meets or exceeds standards for detention. They claim regular inspections ensure detainees are cared for properly. However, the contrasting experiences of detainees raise serious questions about the prevailing conditions in these facilities.
The challenges faced by these individuals highlight ongoing debates about immigration policy and detention practices in the U.S. As advocacy continues, it remains crucial to observe how this lawsuit evolves and its implications for future detention standards.
For more details, you can read the full complaint on the ACLU website.
