Owner of ICE detention facility sees big opportunity in AI man camps

In response to the increasing need for a workforce to support the construction of AI data centers, developers are turning to temporary housing solutions known as man camps. Originally designed for workers in remote oil fields, these camps are now being adapted for the tech industry. A notable example can be found in Dickens County, Texas, where a former Bitcoin mining facility is being transformed into a substantial 1.6 gigawatt data center. Workers at this site are currently living in basic gray housing units that offer amenities such as a gym, laundry facilities, game rooms, and a cafeteria that serves freshly grilled steaks. Target Hospitality, the company behind this initiative, has secured contracts totaling $132 million to construct and manage the Dickens County man camp, which has the potential to accommodate over 1,000 workers. Target’s chief commercial officer, Troy Schrenk, views the surge in U.S. data center construction as a significant opportunity for growth, stating it is “the largest, most actionable pipeline I’ve ever seen.” In addition to this venture, Target Hospitality also operates the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas, which has been the subject of controversy due to allegations regarding the quality of food and inadequate accommodations for detained families, including issues related to allergies and special dietary needs.