DHS funnels $10 billion through Navy for detention centers
DHS routes $10 billion through Navy for detention centers
On September 4, 2025, Naval Supply Systems Command raised the ceiling on its WEXMAC 2.1 contract by $10 billion to allow the Department of Homeland Security to fast-track construction of new migrant detention sites. DHS is using the Navy’s Supply Systems Command as its contracting arm to bypass civilian procurement rules and accelerate the build-out of soft-sided tent centers in Louisiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah and Kansas, each designed to hold up to 10,000 detainees and break ground as early as November 2025 (fbodaily.com). Advocates warn that moving these contracts into a military vehicle shrinks competition, shortens review timelines and isolates facilities from standard oversight – Setareh Ghandehari of Detention Watch cautioned that facilities run under such arrangements risk “even more abuse” without public scrutiny (military.com). The existing Fort Bliss tent camp has already violated 60 federal detention standards, underscoring the stakes for the new sites (washingtonpost.com).
Why this matters
Routing $10 billion through a military contract vehicle effectively sidesteps DHS’s standard procurement safeguards and narrows the pool of accountable vendors. In October, DHS furloughed its own Office of Detention Oversight – its only regular inspectorate for ICE facilities – leaving new tent camps unmonitored by internal watchdogs (washingtonpost.com). That gap risks entrenching substandard conditions far from legal assistance and public view. Citizens can file FOIA requests for contract and inspection records, press Congress to restore the Office of Detention Oversight, and urge state legislators to require public hearings and transparency before hosting federally contracted detention centers.
Core Facts
DHS is routing about $10 billion through the Navy's Supply Systems Command to contract construction of migrant detention centers in six states: Louisiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah, and Kansas. The Navy is acting as a contracting agent so DHS can hire private firms faster. Federal contracting documents show work on some sites could begin as soon as Nov. 2025.
The planned sites are mostly soft-sided tents and other temporary structures. Reports say individual sites could hold as many as 10,000 people at peak capacity. Some facilities may sit on or near military installations, but exact locations are not finalized.
In July 2025 the Navy broadened a contract vehicle known as WEXMAC to cover the United States and territories, sometimes referred to as WEXMAC 2.1. The amended solicitation lets contractors provide infrastructure, staffing, supplies, and secure confinement for aliens in DHS or ICE custody. Contracts reference Defense Support of Civil Authorities and require contractors to accept ICE referrals and follow applicable laws and orders. The move is meant to speed procurement by using the Navy's existing contracting systems.
Civil rights groups and some lawmakers warn the plan could expand mass detention and reduce oversight. Advocates point to past rapid-build sites that drew criticism for failing federal detention standards. DHS officials say they need to move quickly to meet staffing and bed targets tied to new funding. Legal challenges and state pushback could delay some projects.
Key Actors
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Federal department
Routing roughly $10 billion through the Navy contracting system to build migrant detention centers. DHS is coordinating requirements and funding with ICE and the Navy.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Federal immigration enforcement agency
The primary agency that will use and manage additional detention capacity. ICE helped define needed bed capacity and operational support for the facilities.
U.S. Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) / WEXMAC
Navy contracting authority (expeditionary WEXMAC contract vehicle)
Serving as the contracting arm to award construction and support contracts at DHS's request. NAVSUP is being used to speed procurement under the WEXMAC mechanism.
State and local authorities in Louisiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah, and Kansas
State and local governments
Potential hosts for the new detention centers. They handle permitting, land access, and local coordination with federal builders and operators.
Congressional and inspector general oversight bodies
Congress and DHS Office of Inspector General
Provide funding authorization and oversight of the program. They review legality, transparency, and use of the Navy contracting route.
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