AI’s Dark Side: Data Centers, ‘Man Camps,’ and the ICE Connection

Data Centers, ICE Detention, and the Rise of “Man Camps”

The artificial intelligence boom isn’t unfolding in a vacuum. A recent investigation reveals a troubling connection between the companies building the infrastructure for AI and those profiting from immigration detention. As demand for data capacity surges – with tech companies budgeting an estimated $700 billion for data capacity expansion in 2026 alone – the construction of massive data centers is fueling a revival of “man camps,” temporary housing settlements originally used by the oil and gas industry. But these aren’t just temporary worker villages. they’re being built by companies with direct ties to the controversial ICE detention system.

From Oil Fields to AI: The Evolution of the “Man Camp”

The concept of the “man camp” isn’t new. For decades, these pop-up communities have sprung up to house workers in remote locations during large-scale infrastructure projects. Originally designed to attract workers to isolated oil fields with amenities like free meals and recreational activities, the model has now expanded to support crypto mining operations and, most recently, the construction of AI data centers. Bloomberg reported on this shift, detailing how these camps are becoming increasingly common in areas where data centers are being built, like Dickens County, Texas.

The data center planned for Dickens County, a 1.6-gigawatt facility, requires over 1,000 workers for construction. To house them, Target Hospitality is building a shantytown at a cost of $132 million in government contracts, according to TechCrunch. While the amenities – steak dinners and simulated golf – might sound appealing, the company’s involvement raises serious ethical concerns.

Target Hospitality: A Dual Role in Detention and Data

Target Hospitality’s connection to the immigration detention system was initially downplayed in reporting on the Dickens County project. However, further investigation by TechCrunch revealed that the company “similarly does perform for the government on immigration detention.” Specifically, Target Hospitality operates the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas, a facility that has faced significant criticism for its conditions and treatment of detainees. The Dilley center reopened in March 2025 after Target signed a five-year contract with CoreCivic, a private prison company.

Reports from the Dilley center paint a disturbing picture. Measles outbreaks, 911 calls about children struggling to breathe, and contaminated food are just some of the issues that have been documented. The contrast between the luxurious amenities offered to data center construction workers and the harsh conditions endured by detainees at Dilley is stark.

The Militaristic Echo of Forward Operating Bases

The design of these man camps also raises concerns. Bloomberg noted that many of the workers involved in data center construction come from military backgrounds, and the camps are intentionally designed to resemble Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). This isn’t simply about providing housing; it’s about creating a specific environment that echoes a military structure. This intentional similarity, coupled with the remote locations and the scale of the projects, raises questions about the potential for these camps to operate outside of normal oversight.

AI’s Expanding Footprint and the Question of Responsibility

The demand for data centers is only expected to grow as AI continues to develop. The Brookings Institution has been mapping the growth of AI economies across the US, noting that the Bay Area currently accounts for 13% of all AI-related job postings (Mapping AI’s embrace). However, the concentration of AI development in a few expensive coastal cities raises concerns about equity and accessibility. As Mark Muro, a senior fellow at Brookings Metro, stated, “What economies is it improving? What people, firms and places are benefiting?”

The reliance on companies like Target Hospitality, with their ties to the detention system, suggests a willingness to prioritize speed and cost over ethical considerations. The fact that Target Hospitality’s chief commercial officer, Troy Schrenk, describes the current market as “the largest, most actionable pipeline I’ve ever seen” underscores the financial incentives driving this expansion.

Community Resistance and the Future of Data Center Development

The growing awareness of these connections is sparking resistance. As reported by KCTV5, a woman in Kansas City attempted to torch a warehouse after a proposed ICE detention facility sale was cancelled, demonstrating the increasing frustration and anger towards ICE and related entities. Whether this resistance will translate into significant roadblocks for data center development remains to be seen. The question is whether communities will accept the trade-offs – the environmental impact, the ethical concerns, and the potential for exploitation – in exchange for the economic benefits that data centers promise.

The situation highlights a critical need for greater transparency and accountability in the AI industry. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, it’s essential to understand the infrastructure that supports it and the companies that are building it. The connection between data centers, ICE detention, and the rise of “man camps” is a stark reminder that technological progress doesn’t happen in a moral vacuum.