Protest Against Child Detention in Dilley, Texas
In Dilley, Texas, tensions flared recently at the South Texas Family Residential Center. Protesters gathered outside to demand the release of a five-year-old boy from Minneapolis who is being held by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The situation escalated when armed Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers arrived, dressed in riot gear.
About 40 DPS officers came in on a school bus, and the atmosphere soon became charged. Some protesters stood just inches away from officers, leading to confrontations. The police began using crowd control methods, including pepper spray, resulting in protesters calling for help to flush their eyes afterward.
Angel Garza, a protester, condemned the use of pepper spray. “They started shooting into the crowd for no reason,” he said. The DPS commented that they acted based on a reported large protest, and they felt it necessary for officer safety. Despite their actions, many remained outside, determined to support families at the detention center.
This protest wasn’t just about one child; it highlighted broader concerns about immigration practices that impact families. Adults and children have been held in immigration detention for extended periods, which advocates argue is inhumane. A recent report indicated that nearly 14,000 children were held in U.S. immigration facilities in 2022, sparking outrage among human rights organizations.
The protest was not without its supporters. San Antonio art teacher Sheila Vasquez drove a long way to stand up for the children in detention, bringing along a large bird sculpture she created as a symbol of hope. “I wanted them to know we care,” she shared.
Lawmakers also joined the protest, with U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett calling the conditions inside the detention center “inhumanity.” They, along with other officials, voiced their concerns after observing the facility.
The five-year-old boy’s case gained national attention after a federal judge refused to order his release, stating the court lacked authority to intervene at this stage. While the DHS maintains that they followed federal law, many activists argue for reform in immigration policies, especially concerning the treatment of children.
As protests continue, the spotlight on immigration practices shines brighter, urging communities and lawmakers to reflect on the treatment of vulnerable families and children caught in the system.
For further insights on immigration policies and updates on current events, visit TPR, a source committed to covering Texas news.
