DOD plans to temporarily house migrants at two military bases
Share and Follow


() 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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump insiders reveal the persistent ICE 'murmurs' in the White House

Insiders Spill the Beans on Ongoing ICE Discussions Within the Trump White House

Americans have recently become unexpectedly familiar with immigration laws, video analysis, and…
Florida Missing Child Alert canceled for 2-year-old last seen in Jacksonville

Breaking News: Baker County Deputy Injured in Domestic Violence Response – Full Details Inside

A deputy has been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while the suspect is…
National Guard troops will likely remain in DC through 2026, official says

National Guard Presence in Washington, D.C. Expected to Continue Until 2026, Official Reports

In a strategic move to maintain security in the nation’s capital, National…
Hands-free driving bills have been filed in Florida. Here's what to know

Florida Moves Towards Safer Roads: New Hands-Free Driving Legislation Introduced

Efforts are underway to toughen Florida’s laws against texting and driving. TAMPA,…
Megyn Kelly slams Timothy Busfield's wife for promoting brand

Megyn Kelly Criticizes Timothy Busfield’s Wife Over Controversial Brand Promotion: A Social Media Showdown

Megyn Kelly criticized Timothy Busfield’s wife for continuing to promote her lifestyle…
Khamenei calls Trump a ‘criminal,’ blames him for deadly protests sweeping Iran

Iran’s Khamenei Labels Trump as ‘Criminal,’ Holds Him Responsible for Unrest Across the Nation

On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei unleashed a fiery critique…
The boardroom decisions that split Macy's and Saks' fortunes

Boardroom Decisions That Diverged the Trajectories of Macy’s and Saks

When the news broke this week of a venerable American department store…
Mariano's has what your need for the ultimate Chicago-style feast for Bears game day

Gear Up for Game Day: Mariano’s Offers Everything for the Perfect Chicago-Style Feast

ByJose Baltierra Saturday, January 17, 2026 4:11PM CHICAGO – As anticipation builds…