Congressman denounces Camp Atterbury detention plans

An Indiana congressman is denouncing a plan to use Camp Atterbury to house captured illegal immigrants.

According to Democratic Rep. Andre Carson, the U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed its plan to use the base for immigrant detentions. The base covers parts of Bartholomew, Johnson and Brown counties.

In a letter sent to members of Congress last week, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed the plan and the suitability of using Camp Atterbury as a detention site, saying it would not “negatively affect ongoing military training, operations, readiness or other military requirements.”

Carson responded Friday, saying that in May he sought confirmation that Camp Atterbury would be used and asked several questions of administration officials, which have still not been answered.

Carson says in a statement “I remain concerned on this use of Camp Atterbury given the deplorable and inhumane conditions at other ICE detention facilities nationwide. … The Hoosier state should not facilitate these unlawful actions.”

He went on to say that he finds it disturbing that ICE has detained so many people that it must expand detention space into Indiana.

He said that he “will actively monitor activities at Camp Atterbury to ensure humane and sanitary conditions.”