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Fox News was granted rare access to the Montgomery Processing Center (MPC), a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Conroe, Texas. The facility, located just north of Houston, processes approximately 400 to 500 illegal migrants weekly and is one of 134 detention centers operated by ICE across the country.
According to ICE data, there are currently 47,928 individuals in ICE custody nationwide, with 54% (25,679) having been charged or convicted of at least one criminal offense. As President DONALD TRUMP continues to push for stricter deportation measures, facilities like MPC are facing increased scrutiny over their operations and living conditions.
RANDY TATE, the facility manager, emphasized the importance of addressing misconceptions surrounding immigration detention. “What we hope to accomplish, more than anything, is to dispel the false narratives out there,” said Tate. The Montgomery Processing Center currently houses 1,240 detainees, with a capacity for approximately 1,300. Tate described the facility as a “one-stop shop,” equipped with on-site medical care, a full-fledged courthouse, and five federal immigration courtrooms – one of the nation’s most active immigration courts.
BRET BRADFORD, Field Office Director, clarified that ICE detention facilities are not punitive but are designed to ensure individuals appear in immigration court and for removal proceedings. “The only reason we detain folks is to ensure their appearance in immigration court and to ensure their appearance for removal,” Bradford explained.
During the exclusive tour, Fox News observed the processing and booking procedures, as well as the living conditions within the facility. Detainees are assessed based on flight risk and potential threat to public safety. Those deemed eligible for detention are assigned housing based on their risk level, indicated by the color of their uniforms. Men and women are housed separately, with many occupying dormitories equipped with bunk beds, recreational spaces, and access to amenities.
Bradford addressed concerns about access to medical and legal care, emphasizing that detainees have numerous resources at their disposal. “There are phones in every dorm. They can use them 24/7,” he said. Detainees are provided with lists of pro bono legal services, tablets, access to law libraries, and kiosks for legal research. Private rooms are also available for attorney-client meetings.
The facility also features a medical center, game rooms, a gym, a library, and a chapel. Bradford acknowledged that not all ICE facilities offer the same amenities but underscored the commitment to detainee welfare. “Medical care is something that is criticized all the time,” he said. “I think it’s unfair. When they get booked in and assessed, we find conditions they didn’t even know they had and left untreated.”
ICE provided examples of criminal aliens detained at MPC, including individuals with convictions for aggravated sexual assault, intoxicated manslaughter, and outstanding warrants for serious crimes in their home countries. Bradford emphasized the importance of protecting communities from repeat offenders. “A lot of these folks are criminals. We don’t want them back in the community,” he said.
The Montgomery Processing Center is a critical component of ICE’s efforts to enforce immigration laws and ensure public safety. As debates over immigration policy continue, facilities like MPC remain at the forefront of the conversation. Fox News’ exclusive tour offers a rare glimpse into the operations of one of ICE’s busiest detention centers.
[Source: Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
