WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says bases in Indiana and New Jersey can house detained immigrants without affecting military readiness — a step toward potentially detaining thousands of people on bases on U.S. soil.

Democrat U.S. Rep. André Carson demanded answers from federal officials in June about the potential use of the base for detentions. He said the use of Camp Atterbury for immigration purposes raises “serious questions” and flagged concerns about legal rights, humane treatment and national security.