Congressman Carson Demands Answers on Potential Use of Camp Atterbury to Detain Migrants

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) formally requested additional information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding the potential use of Camp Atterbury in Indiana for immigration detention purposes.

As Congressman Carson’s letter to Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem states, 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. Congressman Carson raised ethical, legal, and national security concerns.

“As a senior Member of the House Intel Committee, I am always thinking about keeping our state and our country safe,” said Congressman Carson. 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.”

The full text of the letter can be found below. It was sent to Secretary Kristi Noem on June 4, 2025.

June 4, 2025

Dear Secretary Noem:

I am writing to express deep concern regarding recent reports suggesting that Camp Atterbury in Indiana may soon be utilized to detain migrants. As the Representative for Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, I have serious questions about the potential use of this facility for immigration detention purposes.

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. 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.

To better understand the Department of Homeland Security's intentions and to ensure transparency and accountability, I respectfully request answers to the following questions.

1. Can you confirm whether there are plans to use Camp Atterbury for detaining migrants? If so, what is the timeline for this initiative? Can you describe these plans in detail?
2. What legal frameworks and regulations will govern the detention of migrants at this facility? How will the Department ensure compliance with federal and international laws regarding the treatment of detainees?
3. What is the intended capacity for detainees at Camp Atterbury? What measures will be taken to ensure humane living conditions, access to medical care, and legal representation?
4. Will current FY25 funds be adequate to carry out immigrant detention at Camp Atterbury?  If so, what are the full costs anticipated?  If not, how much additional funding will be needed and for how long?
5. How does the Department plan to engage with local communities and stakeholders regarding this development? What assessments have been made concerning the impact on the surrounding areas?
6. What oversight mechanisms will be in place to monitor the operations at Camp Atterbury? How will the Department address any potential issues or complaints about detention mistreatment or abuse that arise?
7. How will immigrant detention impact the military training and operations currently undertaken at Camp Atterbury?  How many current personnel will be reassigned to immigrant detention responsibilities?  How many new personnel, from DoD, DHS and other federal agencies need to relocate to Camp Atterbury to handle immigrant detention operations?  Will any military training be relocated away from Camp Atterbury?  If so, what functions?

Given the sensitivity and potential implications of this matter, I urge the Department to provide detailed responses to these questions by Friday, June 13^th.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to your prompt and detailed response to each of these questions.

Sincerely,

André Carson
Member of Congress

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