DOD plans to temporarily house migrants at two military bases
Share this @internewscast.com


() The Department of Defense is planning to use two U.S. military bases to house detained migrants, according to a letter from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The letter, first obtained by NJ Spotlight News, was sent on July 15 to the House Committee on Armed Services and members of Congress representing the areas where the bases are located. Hegseth writes that the plan “will not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness or other military requirements, including National Guard or Reserve readiness.”

Hegseth identified Camp Atterbury in Indiana and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey as the two bases that would temporarily house migrants but did not provide a number of how many would be moved there or when.

An official from the Department of Defense told partner The Hill in a statement that Hegseth had “approved a Department of Homeland Security request for assistance” to use the two bases, adding that “temporary soft-sided holding facilities,” would be established.

The facilities would be similar to the tent structures in place at the detention center in Florida dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

On Friday, White House Border Czar Tom Homan told reporters outside the White House that ICE detention facilities have about 60,000 beds for detained migrants but need 100,000.

“I woke up one morning, we had less than 200 beds, we’ll fill them by half a day. So, we are constantly having to change flight arrangements and move deportations as quickly as we can to empty beds,” Homan said. “We shouldn’t be in that position.”

A group of Democratic lawmakers in New Jersey posted a statement to social media Friday condemning the decision to use the bases writing, “this is an inappropriate use of our national defense system.”

This would not be the first time military bases have been used to house migrants. In 2014, the Obama administration temporarily used military bases to house migrant children during a surge at the border. During the Biden administration, some U.S. bases were also used to temporarily house Afghan refugees.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has said she’s been in contact with other states about opening additional migrant detention facilities like “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Without confirming that they have been contacted, spokespersons for governors in South Carolina, Mississippi and Texas have told they are ready to assist in Trump’s immigration enforcement plans.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Afghan National Charged for Alleged Bomb Threat on TikTok in Texas, Say Federal Prosecutors

In a troubling case that underscores the complexities of modern digital threats,…

Sullivan County Schools Introduces AI Tool to Enhance Parent Communication

Sullivan County Schools in Blountville, Tennessee, has introduced an innovative tool named…

Greeneville High Baseball Field Vandalized by Car: Arrest Made After Shocking Incident

In Greeneville, Tennessee, a bizarre incident left the baseball field at Greeneville…

Unraveling the Mystery: Authorities Probe Deliberate Fiber Optic Cable Sabotage in Scott County

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office in Gate City, Virginia, is reaching out…

Feeding Tampa Bay Amplifies Impact on ‘Kindness Day’: Join the Movement to Combat Hunger

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As the holiday season unfolds, the spirit of…

Michael and Susan Dell’s $6.25 Billion Donation Aims to Boost Family Claims on ‘Trump Accounts

NEW YORK – In a landmark act of generosity, billionaires Michael and…

Macron’s Strategic China Visit: Strengthening Trade Links and Navigating Ukraine Conflict with Xi Jinping

PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on a…

Mandela Barnes Launches Bid for Wisconsin Governor: Former Senate Candidate Aims for Leadership in 2024

MADISON, Wis. – Former Wisconsin lieutenant governor Mandela Barnes, a Democrat known…

New Zealand Man Allegedly Swallows Faberge Pendant in Bond-Inspired Heist: Police Await Evidence

WELLINGTON – Authorities in New Zealand are adopting a wait-and-see approach after…

Greeneville Barber Arrested: Shocking Allegations of Forcible Fondling Emerge

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — A man from Greeneville was taken into custody…

German President’s State Visit to the UK: Celebrating Strategic Alliances and Reflecting on Historical Legacy

LONDON – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will be received with grandeur on…

Hegseth Justifies Controversial Follow-Up Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel Amid ‘Fog of War’ Debate

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White…