The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has initiated the construction of a large detention center at Fort Bliss, Texas, starting in mid-July 2025, to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with immigration enforcement.
This facility will initially house 1,000 detainees and plans to expand to a capacity of 5,000.
The new detention center at Fort Bliss is part of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown following recent legislation that increased enforcement resources.
The facility began housing migrants as early as August 17, 2025, even though construction is ongoing. This initiative aims to enhance the federal government’s ability to detain and deport unauthorized migrants.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved DHS’s use of Fort Bliss land for this purpose. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates the detention facility, managing detainees in legal removal proceedings.
The expansion has drawn criticism from local representatives like Congresswoman Veronica Escobar.
Domestic Security Efforts
The DOD continues its role in supporting federal law enforcement missions beyond immigration enforcement.
In Los Angeles earlier in 2025, National Guard and Marines provided security during civil unrest, highlighting civil-military cooperation in maintaining domestic order.
International Commitments
- The U.S. supports Ukraine through NATO amid geopolitical tensions with Russia.
- NATO member countries are contributing over $1 billion for American weapons and equipment to aid Ukraine.
- This reflects U.S. commitment to European security and counters Russian aggression.
- Defense investments align with broader national security priorities.
Community Reactions
The construction of the detention center has sparked political and community responses due to its size and operation. Local opposition may influence future immigration policy debates and affect relations within border communities.
Additional Reading
Parting shot
The establishment of the Fort Bliss detention center marks a significant step in U.S. immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration while reflecting broader national security priorities through international commitments like NATO support for Ukraine.
As these developments unfold, they will continue shaping domestic policies and international relations alike.
Sources: Stars and Stripes, KFOX14/CBS4, and U.S. Department of Defense.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
