The U.S. is rapidly expanding its immigration detention infrastructure, with plans to increase capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 beds by the end of 2025. The move follows a $45 billion funding injection approved for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), enabling the construction of tent-style facilities at military bases and existing detention sites nationwide.
Key projects include a 5,000-bed facility at Fort Bliss, Texas, and additional sites in Colorado, Indiana, and New Jersey, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. A controversial Florida facility nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" – built in just eight days – began operations in July, sparking protests from human rights advocates and environmental groups concerned about detainee welfare and ecological impacts.
While ICE officials describe the expansion as necessary to manage border crossings, critics argue it reflects a shift toward mass detention policies. The developments come amid ongoing debates about U.S. immigration reform and its implications for global perceptions of American governance.
