ICE Suspends Operations at Texas Facility Amid Measles Outbreak
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has temporarily suspended operations at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas. This decision follows the confirmation of two active measles infections among detainees. The announcement was made on Sunday by Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
Measles Outbreak at Dilley Center
On Friday, medical staff detected the measles cases at the facility, which houses families detained for alleged immigration violations. Located in southern Texas, approximately one hour from San Antonio, the Dilley center has become a focal point due to public health concerns.
Quarantine Measures Implemented
ICE Health Services Corps acted promptly to contain the infection. All movement within the facility has been halted. Individuals suspected of exposure to the measles-infected detainees are now under quarantine. Medical officials are closely monitoring the health of all detainees, providing necessary medical care.
- Location: Dilley Immigration Processing Center, South Texas
- Reported Cases: 2 active measles infections
- Action Taken: All movement suspended, quarantine enforced
- Monitoring: Medical staff observing detainees continuously
Concerns Raised by Legal Advocates
Legal representatives have voiced apprehensions about the outbreak. Neha Desai from the National Center of Youth Law expressed her hopes that this situation would not hinder forthcoming inspections by lawmakers and attorneys. She emphasized the importance of addressing the welfare of families detained at the center.
“No family should be detained — this is a choice made by the administration,” Desai stated, highlighting broader issues surrounding the detention facility.
Rising Measles Cases in the U.S.
The outbreak at the Dilley center occurs in a concerning context. In 2025, the United States recorded the highest number of measles cases in decades, totaling over 2,200. Notably, a significant outbreak in West Texas accounted for 762 of these cases. Tragically, this epidemic resulted in the deaths of two young children and hospitalizations for 99 others.
Current ICE Detention Statistics
ICE’s detention population has surged recently. As of now, more than 70,000 individuals are held across various detention centers in the country, a steep increase from the previous year’s count of approximately 40,000. The majority of these detainees are single adults facing deportation, reflecting the administration’s intensified enforcement actions.
These developments at the Dilley center raise critical public health questions as officials continue to navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement and health safety.
