Measles Outbreak at El Paso ICE Detention Center Raises Public Health Concerns

El Paso, Texas – A measles outbreak at the Camp East Montana Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center has prompted health officials to issue alerts and coordinate with federal partners. As of February 27, 2026, seventeen cases of measles have been reported in El Paso, with thirteen linked to the detention facility. This outbreak occurs amidst recent reports of tuberculosis and COVID-19 cases at the same location, raising concerns about health conditions within the facility.

Measles Cases and Exposure Locations

The El Paso Department of Public Health confirmed four new measles cases within the city, involving individuals in their 20s and 30s with unknown vaccination statuses. The remaining thirteen cases are concentrated at Camp East Montana, a tent facility located on the grounds of Fort Bliss Army base that houses detained migrants. El Paso Matters reports that case information for the facility is reported through federal authorities.

Public health officials have identified several potential exposure locations within the city:

• Cici’s Pizza (615 N. Zaragoza) – February 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• The Apple Store in Cielo Vista Mall (8401 Gateway Blvd. West) – February 20, 4:30 to 6:45 p.m.
• Del Sol Medical Center (10301 Gateway Blvd. West) – February 20, 6 a.m. To 8 p.m.
• Outlet Mall (7051 S Desert Blvd.) – February 20, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Outlet Mall (7051 S Desert Blvd.) – February 21, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Good Luck Café (3813 Alameda) – February 22, 8:30 to 11 a.m.
• Target-Bassett (6001 Gateway Blvd. West) – February 22, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Ay Cocula (1435 Lee Trevino Drive) – February 22, 5 to 9 p.m.

Individuals who visited these locations during the specified times and develop a fever and rash are advised to contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.

Facility Conditions and Concerns

Camp East Montana, which can hold up to 5,000 detainees, opened in August 2025 and has quickly become the largest ICE detention facility in the country. The facility has faced criticism regarding the quality of medical care provided to detainees.

U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar (D-El Paso) has been a vocal critic of the facility, stating that the measles outbreak is “a direct result of the manner in which Acquisition Logistics operates the facility: an explicit effort to maximize profits at the expense of federal standards for services such as medical attention.” Escobar and 23 other Democrats have called for an investigation into Acquisition Logistics and the closure of Camp East Montana.

Recent Health Issues and Deaths at Camp East Montana

The measles outbreak is not the only health concern at Camp East Montana. Earlier in February, El Paso city officials were notified of cases of tuberculosis at the facility, though Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated there were no confirmed cases. The city later clarified that individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis had been treated by ICE medical providers and were no longer housed at the facility.

In recent months, three migrants have died while in custody at Camp East Montana. Geraldo Lunas Campos’ death was ruled a homicide by the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office, attributed to asphyxia due to neck and torso compression. ICE stated that Campos attempted suicide and died during a struggle with guards. Francisco Gaspar-Andres died on December 3, with ICE reporting suspected liver and kidney failure, and Victor Manuel Diaz died on January 14, with a presumed cause of suicide.

Federal Response

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that ICE Health Services Corps has taken steps to quarantine and control the spread of measles, ceasing all movement within the facility and quarantining individuals suspected of contact with infected detainees. Bis also emphasized that comprehensive medical care, including vaccinations, is provided to detainees.