Pentagon constructing large detention center at military base in Texas

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US Defense Department began constructing a detention center in July at the Fort Bliss military base in the state of Texas, a spokeswoman said Thursday.

In response to a request for assistance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kingsley Wilson said Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth approved DHS access and use of the land at the base.

It will have an initial capacity of 1,000 detainees, which is likely to be achieved later this month, Wilson told reporters.

Noting that the center’s capacity is expected to reach 5,000 in the weeks and months ahead, Wilson said: "Upon completion, this will be the largest federal detention center in history for this critical mission -- the deportation of illegal aliens."

Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has intensified immigration crackdowns, increasing detention and deportations as part of his enforcement agenda.

Immigrants have often been swiftly deported in recent months, leaving them no legal recourse to challenge their removal, or they have been taken to facilities far from their homes, with no access to legal counsel.