The Department of Defense plans to build the largest federal migrant detention facility in the U.S. to date, at Fort Bliss in Texas, which is expected to have up to 5,000 beds for illegal aliens.

Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson announced the project during a press briefing Thursday, stating that construction began in July. 

«Since then, work has begun for initial detainment capacity of 1,000 illegal aliens with initial operating capacity likely to be achieved by mid to late August,» Wilson said. «Once DOD achieves initial stand up, we will finish construction for up to 5,000 beds in the weeks and months ahead.»

Wilson said the facility will become the largest of its kind in U.S. history, serving what she called «this critical mission: the deportation of illegal aliens.»

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The new facility is being established to support President Donald Trump’s executive order to protect Americans against an invasion.

The announcement follows Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s recent statement that the state will build a facility dubbed the «Speedway Slammer» at the Miami Correctional Center, located between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.

Named in reference to Indiana’s racing heritage, including the Indianapolis 500, the «Speedway Slammer» will house up to 1,000 migrants once operational.

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Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said the state would have a detention center for illegal immigrants built in Miami County, called the «Speedway Slammer.» (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

«We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership,» Braun said in a statement on Tuesday. «Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states.»

Funding for the project comes from a reconciliation bill signed by Trump last month, which he referred to as the «one big, beautiful bill.»

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the legislation funds the 287(g) program, which facilitates cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local authorities, as well as 80,000 ICE detention beds.

The Trump administration has continued deportation operations while encouraging undocumented immigrants without additional criminal records to self-deport.

TRUMP TO VISIT ‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ’ FOR GRAND OPENING OF SWAMPY EVERGLADES DETENTION CENTER FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS

An aerial view of a migrant detention center, dubbed «Alligator Alcatraz,» is seen located at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida on July 7, 2025.  (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images)

According to DHS, individuals who voluntarily leave the country are eligible for a $1,000 incentive and free travel, potentially allowing for legal reentry in the future.

Another facility, informally known as «Alligator Alcatraz,» opened this summer under the supervision of federal officials and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. It serves as a staging center for deportations.

Initially funded by the state, the facility will also receive support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It currently holds 2,000 people, with capacity expected to double. Deportation flights began late last month.

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The facility was converted from a decommissioned airport in the Everglades. A second center may follow, according to WJHL. State officials have faced criticism from immigration and environmental advocacy groups over the facility’s location and purpose.

Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman and Cameron Arcand contributed to this report.

A parrot trained to mimic drug-related phrases played an unlikely role in helping British police dismantle a narcotics network operating inside a prison, authorities revealed this week.

The Lancashire Constabulary announced charges against 15 people linked to the gang, which allegedly trafficked drugs across Blackpool, England, between February 2023 and July 2024. The group was led by 35-year-old Adam Garnett, who was already serving a prison sentence when the operation was uncovered.

The investigation began after prison officials searched Garnett’s cell and found multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers. That discovery led police to several of his suspected associates, including Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton and Jason Gerrand. Searches of their homes turned up heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, large sums of cash and mobile phones allegedly tied to the drug trade.

One of the more bizarre findings came from Hilton’s phone, which police say contained videos showing her parrot, named «Mango,» repeating «two for 25,» a suspected drug deal reference. Another clip reportedly showed the bird playing with cash allegedly linked to illicit profits.

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«What’s the most talented thing your pet can do? Sit? Give paw? How about speak?» Lancashire Police wrote in a post on the department’s Facebook page. 

«One drug dealer’s parrot learned to say ‘two for 25’ – a phrase picked up as part of common language used by the organised crime gang run by her boyfriend. Not a phrase you want your parrot squawking when the police come knocking!» 

Investigators also uncovered video calls between Hilton and Garnett, along with footage appearing to show kilogram-sized packages of cocaine, sometimes accompanied by music lyrics referencing the drug.

Despite being behind bars, authorities say Garnett remained at the center of the operation, directing efforts to hide evidence and maintaining contact with nearly every member of the criminal network.

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Officials say 15 people were arrested when cops busted the major drug ring. (Lancashire Police)

Det. Sgt. Anthony Alves of Lancashire Police’s West Targeted Crime Team praised the outcome, calling it a «coordinated and complex drug operation that extended far beyond prison walls.»

«Garnett continued to run his enterprise while incarcerated, using illegal devices to maintain control. I want to thank my team, our partners at the Crown Prosecution Service, and our prosecution team for their dedication to bringing these criminals to justice.»

He added that warrants remain active for Chloe Stott and Ryan Black and urged the public to come forward with any information about their whereabouts.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: DHS NABS NUMEROUS SUSPECTS IN DRAMATIC STING OF RIVAL LA GANGS

Authorities say additional evidence from suspects’ phones included videos flaunting large amounts of cash, drug-related rap lyrics and documented drug transactions.

Garnett was sentenced to an additional 19 years and six months in prison to be served consecutively with his existing 15-year term. Hilton, 29, received 12 years while Sandhu, 41, was sentenced to 10.

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The bust was part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s initiative to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, exploitation and violence in the region. The initiative is supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, who applauded the arrests and convictions.

«This sends a clear message: we will not tolerate organized crime in our communities. I remain committed to giving law enforcement the resources they need to take down these gangs and protect the public.»

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Varias variedades de camarones crudos provenientes de países como Argentina, India e Indonesia se exhiben en la sección de mariscos de un Walmart Supercenter en Grapevine, Texas. Foto Reuters

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