INDIANAPOLIS —Friday, Congressman André Carson issued a strong statement regarding the decision to use Camp Atterbury as an ICE detention site.
In May, Congressman Carson sought confirmation on reports about this plan and said he recently received a response from the Department of Homeland Security. He confirmed that the camp is being prepared for 1,000 beds.
However, he expressed disappointment that the DHS did not address his specific concerns regarding military readiness and national security.
“I remain concerned about the use of Camp Atterbury given the deplorable and inhumane conditions at other ICE detention facilities nationwide,” Carson stated.
He highlighted an increase in the number of ICE detainees and related deaths since the beginning of President Trump's term, deeming these conditions unacceptable.
Congressman Carson also condemned ICE's enforcement practices, which he argues disproportionately target families for minor offenses and detain individuals who have not committed any crimes.
“ICE is ripping families apart for offenses as minor as traffic tickets, and others are detained without having committed any crime at all. The fact that ICE has detained so many individuals that they now need to expand detention space in Indiana is disturbing. Without due process, anyone and everyone is at risk, including US citizens. These individuals are largely nonviolent, law-abiding, and taxpaying individuals who came to our country for a better life. Indiscriminate sweeps, racial profiling, and mass detainments are wasting our country’s resources on cruel policies that do nothing to help our make our communities safer."
Camp Atterbury
In a recent Facebook video, U.S. Rep. Herb Conaway from New Jersey shared details from a letter from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Congressional members, which is dated July 15.
The letter outlined plans to use Camp Atterbury and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey as a temporary facility for the Department of Homeland Security to accommodate “illegal aliens.” In the letter, Hegseth assured that this plan would not negatively impact military training or operations.
It says in full:
Dear Representative Conway:
Consistent with Section 2815 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328), I am writing to inform the Committee that I certify that the provision of Department of Defense real property at Camp Atterbury, Indiana and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, for temporary use by the Department of Homeland Security to house illegal aliens will not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or other military requirements, including National Guard and Reserve readiness.
I am sending an identical letter to the Committee on Armed Services of the U.S. House of Representatives and Members of Congress representing the area in which the real property is located.
The Indiana National Guard, in a statement, said they are aware of the letter from DHS but have no additional details.
We are aware of the letter from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to the Department of Homeland Security. We are currently working with the Defense Department and DHS officials and have no details other than what is in the memo.
Camp Atterbury is a federal installation and may be used at the discretion of the federal government. We will communicate information when we have appropriate details.
Any further questions should be directed to DHS.
Camp Atterbury, located on more than 34,000 acres near Johnson County, is a federally owned facility, licensed to the Indiana National Guard. It has a rich history of military training since the 1940s, including serving as a site for Afghan refugees in 2021.
Congressman Carson’s Demand for Clarity
In his initial inquiry to DHS, Congressman Carson posed multiple questions aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, including:
- Confirmation of plans to use Camp Atterbury for detaining migrants and the associated timeline.
- Legal frameworks governing migrant detention and compliance with federal and international laws.
- Intended capacity for detainees and measures for humane living conditions.
- Adequacy of funding for the initiative and anticipated costs.
- Engagement plans with local communities regarding this development.
- Oversight mechanisms to monitor operations and address potential mistreatment.
- The impact of immigrant detention on current military training and operations at Camp Atterbury.
Carson urged the DHS to provide answers by June 13.
As the situation develops, Congressman Carson emphasized his commitment to advocating for humane treatment and oversight at Camp Atterbury.
“This is a dark time for our nation. I will continue fighting these unlawful, cruel policies and will actively monitor activities at Camp Atterbury to ensure humane and sanitary conditions,” he concluded.
Republican leaders weigh in
Republican politicians weighed in and said they support the decision to make Camp Atterbury a detention site.
Senator Jim Banks
“Joe Biden let millions of illegal immigrants pour into our country. Fixing this is going to take a serious team effort. I fully back President Trump’s plan for mass deportations.”
Attorney General Todd Rokita
“I commend President Trump and agree with both him and Governor Braun on using Camp Atterbury to detain illegal aliens, as outlined in the recent announcement by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and will fully support the state’s legal position. This action is a critical step toward restoring the rule of law and addressing the unfair crisis caused by unchecked illegal immigration. By expanding detention capacity in states throughout the country, President Trump is ensuring illegal aliens are detained while they await deportation—not set loose into our communities due to a lack of bed space.
For too long, Hoosier communities have borne the burden of open-border policies, facing increased crime, human trafficking, and strain on our schools, hospitals, and other taxpayer-funded resources. Using Camp Atterbury to securely detain illegal aliens pending immigration proceedings or deportation sends a clear message: Indiana will not tolerate lawlessness.
Our office stands ready to support federal efforts to enforce immigration laws and protect Hoosiers, ensuring our state remains a safe and prosperous place for those who respect our laws and enter our country legally.”
