Military Bases Are for Defense, Not Detention
I may not have a military background, but like many Americans, I have deep respect for our armed forces and the role they play in defending this country. That’s why the idea of using domestic military bases as immigration detention centers – including any of the 44 installations in my home state of California – is so troubling. These installations are meant to project strength, strategy, and security—not to serve as makeshift prisons for people caught in the immigration system. The message this sends to the world is one of disorganization and misplaced priorities.
We have seen what it looks like when military bases are used to house large numbers of displaced people. During the Afghan evacuations, thousands of refugees were crammed into tents and barracks, often without adequate resources. Conditions were harsh, medical care was strained, and the system was overwhelmed. That was an effort to provide refuge. Now, the government wants to take those same facilities and use them to detain people for deportation— likely subjecting them to even worse treatment with no clear oversight or accountability.
This is not what military infrastructure is designed for, and not what military service is meant for. Service members are trained to protect and respond to national security threats, not to act as jailers. Diverting bases from their true purpose weakens our military’s readiness, puts an unnecessary burden on personnel, and undermines the image of the United States as a leader in military strategy. Like all aspects of our military, our bases are watched by allies and adversaries alike. What does it say when, instead of showcasing strength and preparedness, we turn them into detention sites? It signals dysfunction, desperation, and a willingness to bend military purposes for political optics.
Even for those who believe in stricter immigration enforcement, this is the wrong approach. It’s a logistical nightmare, an unnecessary strain on the military, and a move that confuses national defense with domestic law enforcement. The U.S. has always positioned itself as a country that upholds democratic values and the rule of law. Turning military installations into detention camps erodes that reputation, both at home and abroad.
The military exists to serve and protect, not to detain and deport. If we continue down this path, we risk not only harming those held in these facilities but also weakening the standing and credibility of our armed forces on the world stage.
Seth Schlussel has long been committed to strengthening and advancing pro-democracy efforts through coalition-building. Most recently, he helped lead the strategy and project management for a coalition of 600 individuals representing diverse religious, social, and political backgrounds in support of numerous Democratic campaigns during the 2024 election cycle. He lives in San Francisco with his wife, where they enjoy exploring the natural parks and hikes in the Bay Area.
