When you find out a loved one is being held in detention at an ICE or CBP facility, it’s normal to panic. But if you can find out where they’re being held, what their legal rights are, and to expect from upcoming court dates, you’re in a far better position to advocate for them and fight for their rights.
At Immigration Spurgin PLLC, we fight aggressively to protect the rights of detainees and others trying to build a new life in the United States. If you’re unsure how to advocate for a loved one being held at the Fort Bliss Detention Center, let’s talk. Call us at 915-779-2800 to set up a consultation now.
Don't risk your future by navigating the complexities of immigration on your own. Trust a professional to guide you through the process.
Although this detention center is largely referred to as the Fort Bliss Detention Center or Fort Bliss Migrant Detention Facility, its official name is the ERO El Paso Camp East Montana. It’s located in El Paso, Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border.
This facility is one of the largest in the country, with over 2,000 detainees as of early 2026. Individuals are held here while their immigration cases are pending. Immigration detention is civil, not criminal, so detainees here are not serving criminal sentences.
Depending on current policies and ICE/CBP requirements, Fort Bliss may hold both adults in immigration proceedings and family units who are awaiting transfer or further processing.
People may arrive at Fort Bliss after being transferred from other facilities. They may also face transfer from the facility with minimal or no notice.
Fort Bliss is a detention facility set up with a soft-sided tent-style structure; it is not a brick-and-mortar building. Detainees have assigned rooms and may have access to necessary medical care, food, and limited recreational and religious activities.
The location of the Fort Bliss Detention Center can cause difficulties with visitation and seeking legal assistance.
Loved ones can communicate with detainees in several different ways. Detainees cannot receive incoming calls, but you can call the facility and leave a message. Be sure to provide their full name and alien registration number.
This facility also has tablets that detainees may be able to use to communicate with loved ones. Those who want to send messages to tablets need to sign up online. Note that messages are non-confidential and may be read by other detainees or staff members.
Visitation is offered at this facility, but it is by appointment only, and access may be limited based on staffing and the needs of the facility. Visits are allowed on weekends and holidays from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. Appointments are scheduled in one-hour blocks and cannot exceed two hours.
Detainees may also be able to access legal assistance at Fort Bliss. Attorneys may visit on weekdays from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. On weekends and holidays, visits can take place between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. Visits must be scheduled in advance in one-hour blocks, not to exceed two hours.
If deportation lawyers want to communicate with their clients via phone calls or video teleconference, they can request access through ERO eFile. Phone calls and video calls are limited to the same hours as in-person visitation.
Immigration cases originating from Fort Bliss are often handled by El Paso Immigration Court. However, some cases are handled by the El Paso Service Processing Center Immigration Court.
The location of the Fort Bliss Detention Center may pose a variety of challenges for detainees and their loved ones. Its location in El Paso means that detainees may be subjected to extreme heat, particularly since the facility is essentially a large soft-sided tent without the amenities of a brick-and-mortar building.
The number of detainees held here may mean that it’s difficult for detainees to get access to the healthcare or other services they need, particularly when staffing levels are low.
If you have a family member or friend being detained at the Fort Bliss Detention Center, our immigration law firm is here to help you advocate for them and explore their options. We can help with:
Your loved one deserves to have their rights protected and their case heard. We’ll work to explore every avenue available to them and plan the path forward. Call us at 915-779-2800 or contact us online.
