Houston E-commerce Company Cart.com Awarded Role in $55 Billion Program Expanding Immigrant Detention Facilities
On February 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of War announced that Cart.com Inc., a Houston-based e-commerce services company, has been awarded a significant role in a controversial $55 billion program aimed at expanding immigrant detention facilities. This decision has sparked discussions about the implications of such contracts and the role of private companies in government operations.
About Cart.com
Founded in 2020 by Omar Tariq, who previously served as the chief operating officer of Home Depot subsidiary Blinds.com, Cart.com has rapidly grown to become a prominent player in the e-commerce sector. Backed by PayPal Ventures, the company was valued at $1.6 billion as of May 2026.
The WEXMAC TITUS Contract
The contract awarded to Cart.com is part of a larger initiative known as the Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract (WEXMAC), specifically under the TITUS extension. This program, administered by the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is designed to provide support for various military and governmental operations, including the management of immigrant detention facilities.
Background of the Program
The WEXMAC program has been in operation for several years, but it received a substantial expansion under the Trump administration. The TITUS extension was introduced to enhance the procurement capabilities of the program, allowing for a broader range of services and infrastructure related to immigration enforcement.
Contract Details
The recent announcement included Cart.com as one of 24 new awardees on the TITUS contract. The initial batch of 96 awards was announced in September 2025, with subsequent contracts being issued in the following months. The program’s objectives include providing all necessary infrastructure, staffing, and resources to safely house individuals in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Temporary Staging Facilities
A draft solicitation published in June 2025 outlined the program’s focus on establishing temporary staging facilities for ICE. One such facility is being set up at Fort Bliss in El Paso County, Texas, to accommodate individuals awaiting removal from the United States.
Concerns and Controversies
The expansion of immigrant detention facilities has raised significant concerns among human rights advocates and the public. Reports indicate that the WEXMAC TITUS program is closely related to a nationwide effort to acquire and expand detention sites, with a proposed budget of $45 billion for immigrant detention.
Local Opposition
Several proposed detention sites have faced local opposition, particularly the largest facility planned in Hutchins, Texas, which is expected to house up to 9,500 beds. Community members have expressed fears about the implications of such facilities on local populations and the treatment of detainees.
Connections to Other Companies
Cart.com’s involvement in the WEXMAC TITUS contract marks a notable intersection between e-commerce and government contracting. The program has also attracted other major players in the private sector, including The Geo Group and CoreCivic, both of which are known for their roles in managing private prisons and detention facilities.
Potential Relationships with E-commerce Giants
Speculation has arisen regarding potential relationships between companies like Amazon and the ICE detention facility expansion program. Cart.com’s role as a contractor may indicate a formal connection between major e-commerce operations and the government’s immigration enforcement strategies.
Public Response and Future Implications
The public response to the expansion of immigrant detention facilities has been mixed, with many advocating for humane treatment of detainees and transparency in government contracts. The implications of Cart.com’s involvement in this program could set a precedent for future collaborations between private companies and government agencies in immigration enforcement.
Conclusion
As the WEXMAC TITUS program continues to unfold, the role of companies like Cart.com will be closely scrutinized. The intersection of e-commerce and immigration enforcement raises important questions about corporate responsibility and the ethical implications of government contracts.
Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023 and may be subject to change as new developments arise.
