U.S. Rep. André Carson at an Indianapolis rally on Oct. 26, 2024. Photo by Whitney Downard, Indiana Capital Chronicle.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — A Wednesday, June 4 letter from Democrat U.S. Rep. André Carson to the federal Department of Homeland Security seeks answers about the possible use of Camp Atterbury in Indiana as an immigration detention facility.

The letter follows recent Indiana Capital Chronicle reporting that federal officials may be eyeing the southern Indiana base as a temporary site for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees. The federally owned facility is licensed to and operated by the Indiana National Guard.

A DHS spokesperson last week declined to confirm any plans but acknowledged the agency is exploring “flexible options” to respond to capacity issues in its nationwide detention network.

In his letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Carson said the prospect raises “serious questions” and flagged concerns about legal rights, humane treatment and national security.

“Camp Atterbury has historically served as a training base for the Indiana National Guard and has been a vital part of our state’s military infrastructure,” wrote Carson, who represents portions of Marion County. “The prospect of repurposing it for migrant detention raises significant issues that warrant thorough examination, including the negative impact this will have on our national security and military readiness.”

Carson’s letter comes as ICE detention has surged in recent months, approaching 50,000 people nationwide — far above the 41,500 beds funded by Congress — according to the latest federal numbers.

That strain has reportedly prompted DHS to review underused military and federal facilities across the country, including Camp Atterbury, but no official decisions have been announced.

Carson, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, said he’s especially troubled by reports of due process violations at other ICE detention sites.

“As a senior Member of the House Intel Committee, I am always thinking about keeping our state and our country safe,” Carson said in a statement. “Not only does the prospect of using Camp Atterbury raise concerns that our military readiness will be reduced, it also is deeply concerning given numerous reports that detainees across the United States have been denied legal due process.”

Camp Atterbury has previously been used to house Afghan evacuees and Ukrainian refugees, but not immigration detainees held under enforcement authority.

Carson asked DHS to respond to seven specific questions about the potential use of Camp Atterbury by June 13, including what laws and funding would govern its use of the national guard site, and how military operations might be affected.

DHS had not responded publicly to the letter as of Wednesday, June 4.