El Paso Council Seeks Closure of Camp East Montana
City officials unanimously voted to draft a resolution calling for the detention site to be shut down.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Immigration
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The El Paso City Council voted unanimously to initiate a formal resolution seeking the closure of the Camp East Montana detention facility located on Fort Bliss. The move comes amid growing local concerns regarding public health and the alleged denial of basic rights for detainees.
Why it matters
The council is pushing for closure due to reports of denied rights and public health risks, including measles and tuberculosis outbreaks at the site. This action follows the city's previous requests for a federal grand jury investigation into three deaths at the facility.
The city council has mandated that staff return the drafted resolution for a final vote within 30 days. This follows a formal request made by the city in March 2026 for a federal grand jury investigation into three facility deaths.
The players
El Paso City Council
The local legislative body responsible for passing ordinances and managing city affairs in El Paso.
The details
The resolution will specifically address concerns regarding transparency, taxpayer fund usage, and public health standards at the detention center. City leaders have formally prioritized the potential closure of the Fort Bliss site to mitigate risks to the local community.
Timeline
March 2026: The city requested a federal grand jury investigation into three deaths.
October 27, 2026: The City Council voted to begin the resolution process.
Within 30 days of October 27, 2026: Staff must return the resolution for a vote.
Political Context
The push for closure stands in direct opposition to federal operational authority over immigrant detention sites on military bases. Critics and federal representatives often argue that such local interventions exceed city municipal oversight regarding federal facility management.
The potential closure of the facility could lead to significant changes in local public health monitoring and regional resource allocation. Residents may see increased city involvement in federal oversight of institutions located within the metropolitan area.
The takeaway
The city is escalating its oversight efforts to address documented health outbreaks and detainee rights concerns at federal sites. Local authorities are attempting to use formal resolutions to gain accountability for operations occurring within city limits.
What happens next
The city manager and city attorney are scheduled to present the draft resolution to the City Council for a final vote within 30 days of October 27, 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on local efforts regarding border policy, visit the Immigration section.
Live Poll
Should your city council work to close federal detention facilities operating within your local community?
