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Report: ICE detainees at Camp East Montana report frequent beatings, other human rights abuses
By Associated Press at El Paso Matters
· July 15, 2026
· 5 min read
By Michael Biesecker / The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Dozens of people held at a sprawling Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in East El Paso say they were either beaten by guards or witnessed others being beaten, according to a new report issued by legal and human rights advocate...
Key takeaway Of the 71 detainees contacted over a five month period, 64 — about 90% of those interviewed — said they had either personally been assaulted by the staff or had seen others physically abused, according to the report.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The allegations of human rights abuses at Camp East Montana are particularly disturbing for El Paso, a community that has long been a hub for immigration and border issues. The facility's location in East El Paso means that local residents and officials are closely tied to the situation, and many have been vocal about their concerns. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar's repeated visits to the facility and her calls for its closure underscore the urgency of the issue for local leaders. As the city continues to navigate its complex relationship with immigration policy, the situation at Camp East Montana will likely remain a major point of contention. El Pasoans will be watching to see how federal officials respond to the report's findings and whether meaningful changes will be made to address the alleged abuses and substandard conditions at the facility.
About this story
Original reporting by El Paso Matters . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit El Paso Matters . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: El Paso Matters ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Michael Biesecker / The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Dozens of people held at a sprawling Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in East El Paso say they were either beaten by guards or witnessed others being beaten, according to a new report issued by legal and human rights advocate...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by El Paso Matters and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at El Paso Matters. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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