EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso County Commissioner Jackie Butler has introduced a resolution opposing the development and operation of a migrant holding facility at Fort Bliss.
The 5,000-bed migrant detention center located on Fort Bliss is in Precinct 1 of the County, which Butler represents.
Butler said the facility, set to be the largest detention site of its kind in the nation, is being built under a $1.26 billion federal contract.
She said there has been “limited public oversight and no local consultation.”
The resolution is expected to be considered at the County Commissiones Court meeting on Monday, Aug. 11.
“The people of El Paso deserve transparency when a billion-dollar, taxpayer-funded facility is placed in their backyard,” Butler said. “We don’t know who will staff this facility. We don’t know how detainees will be treated. And we don’t know how our local law enforcement, infrastructure, and community services will be affected. That’s unacceptable.”
According to Butler’s office, the resolution raises concerns over:
- The contractor’s lack of experience in detention management
- The absence of public input and military coordination
- The risk of human rights violations in tent-based structures
- The potential impact on Fort Bliss’ military readiness
- The threat to civil liberties under accelerated deportation policies
Butler added: “Our County was not asked for input. But we will not stay silent. This resolution is a clear statement: El Paso County stands for due process, public accountability, and the humane treatment and dignity of every person — no matter their immigration status.”
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