The Trump administration awarded a contract worth up to $1.20 billion to a small Virginia company called Acquisition Logistics to build and operate the nation's largest immigration detention center in Fort Bliss, Texas.

The company has never undertaken a federal contract of more than $16 million before, and has no experience in operating correctional facilities. Its registered address is only an ordinary residential house. The U.S. Department of Defense refused to announce the details of the contract or explain the reasons for the selection, and some contracting bidders have protested.

The new facility is expected to accommodate 5,000 migrants, and the military has allocated $232 million for the first 1,000 beds. The contract requires the contractor to be responsible for security and medical care in addition to construction, and to strictly control external information.

Critics are concerned that lack of transparency and supervision in military-based detention camps could lead to abuse and out-of-control of administration.The contract is currently under review by the Government Accountability Bureau and the Federal Court.