Washington, DC – A sweeping $38.3 billion federal immigration detention proposal is drawing sharp criticism this week, with some activists and lawmakers describing the planned facilities as “modern-day concentration camps.”
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Detention Reengineering Initiative would acquire and renovate facilities nationwide to expand bed capacity to approximately 92,600 detainees by fiscal year 2026. The plan includes converting large warehouse-style buildings into processing and detention centers designed to streamline removals and reduce reliance on contracted facilities.
ICE says the new facilities will comply with federal detention standards and include medical care, legal visitation access, religious accommodations, and recreational space. The agency states the expansion is necessary to meet anticipated increases in enforcement activity and arrests.
Critics, however, argue the scale and design of the proposed sites resemble mass detention infrastructure. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups have referred to the facilities as “concentration camps,” citing concerns over civil liberties, prolonged detention, and humanitarian conditions.
Historians note that the term “concentration camp” predates World War II and broadly refers to the mass detention of civilians without trial, though the phrase is most commonly associated with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Its use in modern immigration debates remains highly controversial.
ICE maintains that detainees are held under existing immigration law and that facilities will meet national detention standards. The agency also states environmental and infrastructure reviews have been conducted for proposed sites.
The proposal is expected to face congressional scrutiny as funding allocations move forward.
Do you believe the expansion improves border enforcement — or raises civil rights concerns?
