The U.S. military has approved a plan to let Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) use Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, as a temporary detention site for unauthorized immigrants. This decision is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to expand military involvement in immigration enforcement, including border security and deportation operations.
ICE to Use Buckley Space Force Base for Migrant Detentions
On Tuesday, the Department of Defense (DoD) confirmed that ICE had requested and received approval to use facilities at Buckley Space Force Base for detaining migrants. The base will serve as a staging and temporary holding center for individuals arrested during upcoming immigration enforcement operations.
Key Points About the Detention Facility:
- Only migrants with criminal records will be housed at the base.
- Military personnel will not be involved in detention operations—ICE officials will manage the facility.
- The base will be used as a temporary operations center, staging area, and processing site for deportation cases.
This move comes as ICE prepares for a significant immigration enforcement operation in Colorado, specifically targeting areas like Aurora and Denver.
Trump Administration Expanding Military Role in Immigration
Since returning to office, President Trump has taken aggressive steps to increase military involvement in immigration enforcement.
Recent Actions Include:
- Deploying an additional 1,500 Army soldiers and Marines to the southern border.
- Directing the Pentagon to use military aircraft for deportation flights.
- Approving plans to use more military bases as detention centers for unauthorized immigrants.
The use of military resources for immigration enforcement is controversial, as federal law generally prohibits the military from engaging in civilian law enforcement. However, the Trump administration argues that these actions are necessary to secure the border and remove criminal migrants.
ICE Crackdown in Colorado and Other Cities
Colorado, particularly the Denver-Aurora area, is expected to be a major focus of ICE’s enforcement operations. According to two U.S. officials, this region is among the next targets for stepped-up immigration raids.
Key Details About ICE Operations in Colorado:
- ICE has already conducted large-scale arrest operations in cities like Chicago and New York.
- The Denver suburb of Aurora has been highlighted due to concerns about gang activity, particularly the presence of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.
- The Trump administration plans to expand nationwide immigration arrests, reversing Biden-era policies that limited ICE operations.
What Happens to Arrested Migrants?
Many unauthorized migrants arrested by ICE face deportation, but not all cases are straightforward.
- Venezuela does not accept deportations from the U.S., which complicates efforts to remove members of Tren de Aragua arrested in Aurora.
- The Trump administration is considering an agreement with El Salvador to deport suspected gang members there instead.
- Military planes have already deported dozens of migrants to Ecuador and Guatemala, and the Pentagon may expand these flights.
With ICE ramping up operations and military involvement increasing, many migrants in the U.S. face heightened risks of arrest and deportation.
The Trump administration’s decision to use Buckley Space Force Base for migrant detentions marks a major shift in the role of the U.S. military in immigration enforcement. As ICE increases arrests in Colorado, particularly in Aurora and Denver, the use of military resources for deportations may expand further.
While supporters argue these measures strengthen border security and remove dangerous criminals, critics warn that military involvement in immigration enforcement sets a dangerous precedent. As ICE operations escalate across the country, the impact on immigrant communities and law enforcement policies will continue to be a contentious issue.