Water shortage leads to restrictions at Sierra Blanca immigration detention facility

SIERRA BLANCA, Texas -- A regional water shortage blamed on the depletion of area tanks has resulted in water restrictions being imposed at the West Texas Detention Facility that houses immigration detainees, officials told ABC-7 on Sunday.

The Sierra Blanca facility, operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is now shutting down its water supply at 11 p.m. daily to allow its on-site water tanks to replenish overnight.

An ICE spokesperson maintained "WTDF medical and kitchen operations have not been affected."

The spokesperson said showers for detainees were being limited to 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily, porta-potties were placed into the facility for use by detainees and staff, and bottled water has been brought in.

Officials said WTDF warden Mike Sheppard was working to try and resolve the water-shortage, and the water line from Van Horn that serves the Sierra Blanca facility was being searched for possible leaks in the system.