Local authorities reported infections of tuberculosis and covid-19 at a major migrant detention facility in El Paso, Texas, raising human rights concerns regarding the facility's conditions.
Local authorities in El Paso, Texas, have confirmed two cases of active tuberculosis and 18 cases of covid-19 at Camp East Montana, the largest migrant detention center in the United States, situated on a military base. This outbreak has sparked renewed scrutiny of the facility's conditions, which have already been criticized by human rights activists. Despite the alarming reports from local officials, the federal government has denied any significant health issues at the facility.
Democratic Congresswoman Veronica Escobar disclosed these cases following her visit to Camp East Montana, where the living conditions have been described as inadequate, with tents set up in the desert. The facility is intended to house up to 5,000 individuals, but its controversial nature, including the health risks posed to detainees, continues to draw public attention and criticism. Activists argue that such conditions are not suitable for individuals in detention, especially amidst a pandemic.
The detection of these cases raises questions about the health protocols in place at migrant detention centers, as well as the overall treatment of migrants in the U.S. This situation could potentially ignite wider debates over immigration policy and the management of such facilities, especially as advocates call for better healthcare and humane conditions for those held in detention.
