El Paso Daily: Detention camp scrutiny, camera contract vote, and a major mountain rescue

Top headline: Push to close Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss

More than two dozen congressional Democrats, led by U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, are calling on federal officials to shut down the Camp East Montana immigrant detention camp at Fort Bliss. The request follows reports of three deaths in recent weeks and ongoing allegations of unsafe and unsanitary conditions. The lawmakers’ letter urges immediate action and stronger oversight as the facility remains under intense scrutiny locally and nationally.

City Hall: License-plate camera contract faces a key vote

El Paso City Council is expected to consider whether to end the city’s contract for automated license-plate reader cameras. The cameras have been a flashpoint for privacy concerns, and the upcoming agenda item centers on not renewing the agreement as current grant funding is set to expire on March 3, 2026. The decision could reshape how the city balances crime-fighting tools with data and surveillance concerns.

Public safety: Black Hawk helicopter helps save injured hiker

In a dramatic rescue in Franklin Mountains State Park, a 21-year-old hiker who reportedly fell about 150 feet on the Mammoth Rock Trail was extracted by helicopter due to difficult terrain. Officials said a hoist operation was used to lift the patient and transport him for trauma care, with multiple agencies coordinating the response.

Weekend watch: Free family Story Fest in East El Paso

Families looking for a local, low-cost weekend outing can check out a Story Fest tied to Black Children’s Book Week. Organizers say the Saturday event (Feb. 28) will include readings, activities, and book giveaways at the Esperanza Acosta Morena Library.

Also of note

Police reported one person seriously injured after a crash Wednesday evening (Feb. 25) near Wren Avenue and McCombs Street in Northeast El Paso.

Sources

https://www.texastribune.org/2026/02/26/democrats-veronica-escobar-detention-deaths-texas-east-montana-campos/
https://elpasoheraldpost.com/2026/02/26/el-paso-city-council-to-vote-to-stop-using-controversial-flock-cameras-next-week/
https://kvia.com/news/2026/02/25/cbp-black-hawk-helps-rescue-hiker-who-fell-150-feet-in-franklin-mountain-state-park/
https://kvia.com/news/2026/02/26/abc-7-at4-turn-the-page-start-the-adventure-story-fest/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/1-person-seriously-injured-northeast-045540311.html