Trending Now - Fort Bliss Detention Center Faces Measles Crisis Amid Closure Plans

WHO:

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (Democrat, El Paso)

Texas Department of State Health Services (spokesperson Chris Van Deusen)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Acquisition Logistics LLC (Virginia-based contractor)

Peter Hotez (infectious disease expert, Baylor College of Medicine)

Dr. Sean Conley (DHS Chief Medical Officer)

Dr. Anita Patel (board-certified pediatrician)

Laura Cruz-Acosta (City of El Paso spokesperson)

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

WHAT:

14 active measles cases reported at Camp East Montana, a detention center on Fort Bliss Army base.

112 individuals isolated due to the outbreak.

Camp closed to visitors and attorneys until March 19 or March 20, 2026.

Camp East Montana houses over 3,000 immigrants.

98% vaccination rate against measles in El Paso County.

762 people infected in a statewide measles outbreak in Texas in 2025.

Three deaths reported at Camp East Montana within six weeks, including:

Francisco Gaspar-Andres (48 years old) - death attributed to poor medical care.

Geraldo Lunas Campos (55 years old) - initially ruled a suicide, later determined a homicide by staff.

Victor Manuel Diaz (36 years old) - found with pants tied around his neck, family disputes suicide claim.

More than 45 allegations of abuse and serious injuries reported by detainees.

Camp East Montana constructed in two months after a $1.2 billion contract awarded.

WHERE:

Camp East Montana, Fort Bliss Army base, El Paso, Texas.

San Benito, Texas (shelter for pregnant unaccompanied minors).

South Texas Family Residential Center, Dilley, Texas.

WHEN:

Measles outbreak reported on March 1, 2026.

Camp East Montana opened in 2025.

Deaths at Camp East Montana occurred between mid-December 2025 and early January 2026.

Escobar's statement made on March 1, 2026.

DHS statement regarding medical care issued in February 2026.

WHY:

Escobar and advocates describe the situation at Camp East Montana as an "unfolding humanitarian crisis."

Concerns raised about poor medical care and conditions leading to the measles outbreak.

Allegations of abuse and inadequate medical attention contributing to detainee deaths.

HOW:

Detainees with measles quarantined at local hospitals.

Camp closed to prevent further spread of measles.

DHS spokesperson claimed the facility provides better healthcare than many detainees have received in their lives.

Investigations into the outbreak and conditions at the camp have not been confirmed by federal authorities.

A measles outbreak has been reported at Camp East Montana on Fort Bliss Army base, with 14 active cases leading to the isolation of 112 individuals and the camp closing to visitors until March 19 or 20. The situation has drawn attention from U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar and various advocacy groups, who describe it as an "unfolding humanitarian crisis," particularly in light of three recent deaths attributed to poor medical care and allegations of abuse. Despite a high vaccination rate of 98% against measles in El Paso County, concerns persist about the conditions at the camp, which houses over 3,000 immigrants and has faced scrutiny since its opening in 2025.