U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stopped all movement at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas after two detainees were found with active measles infections. This facility is designed for families detained for immigration violations, located about an hour from San Antonio.
ICE quickly initiated a quarantine to prevent further spread. All individuals who may have come in contact with the infected detainees were isolated. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that medical staff are monitoring the situation closely and providing care to all detainees.
Before this incident, immigration lawyers voiced concerns about a possible measles outbreak at Dilley. Neha Desai of the National Center of Youth Law expressed hopes that this situation wouldn’t hinder lawmakers and attorneys from visiting the facility to assess conditions for the families held there. She highlighted ongoing concerns about the health and well-being of these families, stating, “No family needs to be detained—this is a choice the administration is making.”
In recent years, the U.S. has faced significant measles outbreaks. In 2025, for instance, there were over 2,200 reported cases nationwide, with a notable outbreak in West Texas. Tragically, two children died during this surge.
Dilley has also been in the spotlight due to the case of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, who were detained during an operation that attracted public outcry. Fortunately, they were released over the weekend following a court ruling and returned home.
The number of individuals in ICE detention has surged dramatically. Currently, over 70,000 individuals are detained, a significant increase from about 40,000 just a year earlier. This raises questions about the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
By understanding these developments, we can better recognize the complex intersection of immigration policy and public health in the U.S. For authoritative insights into immigration and health issues, you can explore reports from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
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Immigration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Texas
