Following a federal court ruling that halted deportations to South Sudan, the Trump administration redirected eight detainees and 13 ICE agents to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. The individuals are being held in a converted shipping container under hazardous conditions, including extreme heat, risk of rocket fire, and exposure to toxic burn pit smoke, raising serious human rights and political concerns.

A Fox News report highlights that ICE officials and deported migrants are being housed in a converted shipping container at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. Exposed to searing temperatures, hazardous burn pit emissions, and the looming threat of rocket attacks, these conditions expose both detainees and ICE personnel to significant health risks and reflect a misuse of the base as a detention site amid controversial deportation practices.

An ICE official detailed deplorable conditions for detained immigrants held at Camp Lemonnier, including inadequate medical care, exposure to toxic burn pits, and insufficient security measures. The report highlights how the base is being used to enforce harsh immigration policies under inhumane conditions.

On May 27, 2025, the U.S. Navy awarded KBR a $476M firm fixed price contract to provide comprehensive base operations support at Camp Lemonnier. This contract, which includes facility operations, maintenance, security, and essential life support services, underscores the deep interconnection between military installations and private military-industrial entities.

The GAO ruled on November 25, 2024 that the US Navy may proceed with its procurement for base operation support services at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti despite a protest from incumbent contractor KBR, who argued that the solicitation underestimates operational needs and fails to mandate fair wage standards for host country nationals.

An Inspector General report revealed that Camp Lemonnier failed to adequately warn and protect its approximately 4,000 personnel from toxic air exposures due to poor local environmental conditions and lax safety measures, prompting AFRICOM and Navy officials to announce corrective actions.

The article details how Camp Lemonnier, the U.S. military base in Djibouti, not only plays a key role in regional security but also enhances local community ties through events such as a biannual bazaar and cultural outreach during Ramadan. Senior Pentagon officials, in discussions with Djiboutian leaders, underscored the long-standing and growing partnership, highlighting its contribution to peace and stability in the region.