Measles Outbreak Prompts Calls to close Texas Immigration Detention Center

Dilley, Texas – A growing measles outbreak at a South Texas immigration detention center is fueling demands for its immediate closure. The facility, operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), houses hundreds of children and families, raising serious public health concerns.

Rising Concerns Over Conditions at Dilley

Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas publicly called for the facility’s shutdown, citing inadequate medical resources and close living quarters as key factors contributing to the outbreak’s potential for rapid spread. Castro emphasized that the Dilley center lacks the expertise to effectively manage and contain infectious diseases like measles.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that at least two detainees have been diagnosed with active measles infections. Officials stated that immediate steps were taken to isolate those infected and quarantine individuals who may have been exposed,halting all movement within the center.

Recent Release of Detained Child and Father

The situation at Dilley gained heightened attention recently with the case of Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old boy who had been detained there with his father.Representative Castro played a role in securing their release and return to a Minneapolis suburb last weekend. However, numerous other children and their parents remain in the facility, their legal status not involving criminal charges, but rather falling under the scope of current immigration enforcement policies.

The Risk of Measles and the Vulnerable Population

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can lead to severe complications, particularly in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. Learn more about measles from the CDC.

Detention centers, with their crowded conditions and often limited access to healthcare, are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Concerns are amplified by the fact that many detainees may not have received vaccinations or have a weakened immune system.

Calls for Decarceration and Medical Care

Castro is advocating for the immediate transfer of all individuals with measles to proper medical facilities. He further calls for the release of all other detainees, arguing that holding families who have not committed crimes is both inhumane and a public health risk. “Children and families should not be suffering in prison-like conditions,” he stated.

Immigration Detention Statistics

Here’s a breakdown of recent trends in U.S. immigration detention:

*Source: Transactional records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) – https://trac

A notable measles outbreak at the West Texas Detention Facility has prompted urgent calls for its closure from Congressman Joaquin Castro. The outbreak, confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on February 2nd, 2026, has already affected over 80 detainees, with fears of wider community transmission escalating rapidly. This incident highlights growing concerns regarding healthcare access and conditions within immigration detention centers.

The Scope of the Outbreak & Initial Response

The first cases were identified late last week, initially presenting as a typical respiratory illness. However, rapid testing confirmed the presence of the highly contagious measles virus. The facility, currently housing approximately 1,200 individuals, primarily asylum seekers and those awaiting immigration hearings, has been placed under a strict quarantine.

* Confirmed Cases: 82 detainees as of February 3rd, 2026.

* Suspected Cases: An additional 35 detainees are exhibiting symptoms and are awaiting test results.

* Quarantine Measures: All detainees are confined to their housing units. Movement within the facility is severely restricted.

* Vaccination Efforts: Emergency vaccination clinics have been established on-site,prioritizing unvaccinated detainees and staff. Though, logistical challenges and vaccine hesitancy are hindering full coverage.

The DSHS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. Public health officials are also conducting contact tracing to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed outside the facility.

Congressman Castro’s Demands & Political Fallout

Congressman Castro, representing Texas’s 20th congressional district, held a press conference this morning, vehemently criticizing the detention center’s conditions and the federal government’s response. He called for the immediate and permanent closure of the facility, citing systemic failures in providing adequate healthcare to detainees.

“This measles outbreak is a direct consequence of overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and a purposeful disregard for the health and well-being of vulnerable populations,” Castro stated. “Detention facilities are not equipped to handle public health crises of this magnitude. Continuing to operate this facility puts not only the detainees at risk but also the surrounding communities.”

The call for closure has ignited a political firestorm, with Republican lawmakers defending the detention system as necessary for border security. The debate underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and the treatment of asylum seekers.

Understanding Measles: A Resurgent Threat

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of cases, largely due to declining vaccination rates and imported cases from other countries.

Key facts about measles:

1. Transmission: Spread through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.
2. Symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash.
3. Complications: Pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.
4. Vaccination: The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. two doses are recommended for full protection.

The current outbreak is particularly concerning given the vulnerability of the detainee population, many of whom may not have prior immunity to measles.

Detention Center Healthcare: A History of Concerns

Reports from advocacy groups and government inspections have consistently documented inadequate healthcare standards within immigration detention centers across the United States. common issues include:

* Limited Access to Medical Care: Delays in appointments, insufficient staffing, and language barriers.

* Poor Sanitation: Overcrowded conditions and inadequate hygiene facilities.

* Lack of Preventative Care: Insufficient vaccination programs and screenings for infectious diseases.

* Mental Health Neglect: Limited access to mental health services for detainees experiencing trauma.

These conditions create a breeding ground for infectious diseases like measles, posing a significant public health risk. The West Texas Detention Facility has been the subject of previous complaints regarding healthcare deficiencies, raising questions about why corrective measures were not implemented sooner.

Lessons from Past Outbreaks & Future Prevention

this outbreak echoes similar incidents in other detention facilities. In 2019, a measles outbreak at a detention center in Adelanto, California, infected over 100 detainees and sparked widespread criticism.

Preventing future outbreaks requires a multi-faceted approach:

* Increased Vaccination Rates: Prioritizing vaccination for all detainees upon entry into detention facilities.

* Improved healthcare Standards: Ensuring access to timely and extensive medical care, including preventative services.

* Reduced Overcrowding: limiting the number of detainees to levels that can be safely accommodated.

* Enhanced Sanitation: maintaining clean and hygienic living conditions.

* independent Oversight: Establishing independent oversight mechanisms to monitor healthcare standards and address complaints.

The situation at the West Texas Detention facility serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the systemic failures within the immigration detention system and prioritize the health and well-being of all individuals in custody. The long-term implications of this outbreak, both for the detainees and the surrounding communities,