EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is urging the closure of the Camp East Montana migrant detention site at Fort Bliss, citing reports of abuse and difficulties in accessing legal assistance.

Savannah Kumar, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Texas, described the facility as “a black box within an already difficult-to-access environment.”

The ACLU has gathered 45 interviews and 16 sworn declarations from detainees, detailing allegations of excessive force, sanitation issues, and challenges in scheduling attorney visits.

Kumar emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating,

The materials that are in the letter are documenting excessive uses of force, including sexual contact and other types of uses of force by officials.

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One detainee claimed he was beaten until he lost consciousness, while another reported being sexually assaulted after guards squeezed his genitals.

Las Americas, an organization providing legal support, noted the facility’s restrictive nature compared to other regional detention sites.

Maris Limón Garza, executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, remarked, “It takes numerous phone calls, numerous efforts to be able to see people.”

Jordan Salas reports on immigrant advocacy groups calling for the closure of Camp East Montana after allegations of abuse and sexual assault.

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Rep. Veronica Escobar of El Paso acknowledged hearing similar concerns in the past, including reports of bad food and unclean conditions.

However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has categorically denied the allegations.

A DHS official dismissed the claims as “fearmongering clickbait,” asserting that detainees receive proper meals, medical treatment, and opportunities to communicate with lawyers and family members.

FULL DHS STATEMENT:

This is fearmongering clickbait. As our brave ICE law enforcement is facing a more than 1,150% increase in assaults against them, KFOX14 is choosing to smear them with anonymous allegations. Here are the facts: any claim that there are ‘inhumane’ conditions at ICE detention centers are categorically false. No detainees are being beaten or abused. All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, access to showers, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members. It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody. This is the best healthcare that many aliens have received in their entire lives. Meals are certified by dieticians. No lawbreakers in the history of human civilization have been treated better than illegal aliens in the United States. Get a grip.These third country agreements, which ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution, are essential to the safety of our homeland and the American people. If you break our laws and come to our country illegally, you could end up in any number of third countries. President Trump and Secretary Noem are using every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens out of American communities and out of our country. Our message is clear: Criminals are not welcome in the United States. These third country agreements, which ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution, are essential to the safety of our homeland and the American people.The full letter sent to ICE: Sworn declarations detailing abuse allegations and inhumane conditions:

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