US Democrats oppose Trump's plan to use military installations as migrant detention centers

HAMILTON, Canada

A group of Democratic lawmakers has rejected President Donald Trump's plan to use US military installations as migrant detention centers, arguing it misuses defense resources and undermines national security.

In a letter to Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dated Monday, they expressed "staunch objection" to reports that Fort Bliss in Texas would serve as a detention center, with potential expansion to other bases.

They criticized the administration's request for the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide support on a "non-reimbursable basis," calling it a diversion of military funds for political purposes.

"Dramatically expanded use of US military personnel and facilities to support mass detention operations, both domestically and overseas at Guantanamo Bay, has already diverted, and will continue to divert, military personnel and resources from the DoD's core warfighting mission, the very same one you claimed to want to restore in your capacity as Secretary of Defense," the letter said.

Citing past military involvement in housing Afghan refugees, the lawmakers said current border crossings are at record lows, deeming such measures unnecessary. They warned the plan could cost billions and displace service members.

The letter, signed by representatives Veronica Escobar, Jason Crow, Joaquin Castro and others, urged the Trump administration to provide transparency on military spending for immigration enforcement.

They also demanded answers within 30 days on funding sources, operational impacts and potential readiness shortfalls.

According to a report by The New York Times last month, the Trump administration is establishing a deportation hub at Fort Bliss, near El Paso in Texas capable of holding up to 10,000 undocumented immigrants during deportation proceedings.

Citing officials familiar with the plan, the report said the facility would serve as a model for additional military detention centers planned across the country, including in Utah and near Niagara Falls.