Rep. Escobar says ICE blamed Venezuelans for confrontations at Camp East Montana

UPDATE: Congresswoman Veronica Escobar toured Camp East Montana Thursday morning to find out about the reported confrontations between detainees and facility staff.

Escobar said ICE blamed a group of Venezuelans for starting those exchanges that led to the assault of staff and what ICE is describing as a riot.

Escobar said several people were taken to an area hospital and are expected to recover.

The Department of Homeland Security said that about 130 detainees started throwing items and flipping furniture in the detention center on September 7. They also disabled the security cameras in the area. DHS described this incident as a riot, but reported no injuries to staff or detainees.

"So while I absolutely agree that there should be consequences and accountability for those participants, my question was what will the accountability be for the contractor? The contractor, in my view, shares blame and responsibility," said Escobar.

In a written statement, DHS said, "Violence against ICE officers, or any law enforcement personnel, will not be tolerated. Our officers carry out their Congressionally mandated duties in service to public safety and the rule of law. Any bystander or individual who assaults, obstructs, or violently attacks officers will be subject to arrest and prosecution permitted by law."

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Congresswoman Veronica Escobar will hold a press conference to discuss her visit to Camp East Montana.

She has previously been very vocal in calling for the closure of the immigration detention center due to various incidents that have occurred there.

ABC-7 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

In a statement, a spokesperson with DHS said the following:

"Is there any reasonable expectation that illegal aliens who resort to violence while awaiting their immigration proceedings in custody have any intention of becoming peaceful, law-abiding members of American society?

On September 1, detainees assaulted security staff by striking, kicking, and throwing tablets at them. Combative detainees were immediately removed from the dormitory and operations returned to normal. Multiple security staff sustained various injuries as a result of the assault and immediately received medical care.

On September 7 around 1 PM, approximately 130 illegal alien detainees at Camp East Montana began throwing items, flipping furniture, and disabling security cameras. The detainees involved caused significant damage to the detention facility and property. There are no reported injuries at this time, and all detainees have been accounted for.

Violence against ICE officers, or any law enforcement personnel, will not be tolerated. Our officers carry out their Congressionally mandated duties in service to public safety and the rule of law. Any bystander or individual who assaults, obstructs, or violently attacks officers will be subject to arrest and prosecution permitted by law.

Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. Every person here illegally can take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return."

All migrants involved were isolated inside of Camp East Montana and will now be referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office for inciting a riot, participating in a riot and for damage of federal property.