Measles Outbreak Forces Closure of Texas Immigration Detention Camp
A large immigration detention camp in Texas has been closed to visitors and attorneys due to a measles outbreak, a lawmaker reported on Tuesday. The facility, known as Camp East Montana, is located on the Fort Bliss Army base and houses 14 active measles cases, with 112 individuals currently in isolation. This decision comes as a response to the outbreak, which has prompted a temporary closure until March 19th or 20th.
The situation has sparked concern among officials and advocates alike. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, an El Paso Democrat whose district includes the camp, expressed her alarm, stating, 'While it is positive that the outbreak is being addressed, I am concerned about the impact on detainees' access to legal representation. The camp's conditions, as described by detainees, are far from ideal, with an average of 3,000 people per day living in loud and unsanitary quarters, making disease transmission a real and present danger.'
The camp's recent opening, following a $1.3 billion contract awarded to Acquisition Logistics LLC, a Virginia contractor, has raised questions about the facility's preparedness and management. Detainees have reported a challenging environment, emphasizing the challenges of living in such conditions.
As the camp remains closed, authorities are working to contain the outbreak and ensure the health and safety of all individuals involved. The situation highlights the delicate balance between immigration detention and public health, leaving room for further discussion and scrutiny.
