Dilley, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immediately halted all movement and initiated a quarantine at the measles-cases/” title=”… Halts Dilley Facility Movement – … Cases”>Dilley Immigration Processing Center after confirming two detainees had active measles infections, the Department of Homeland Security announced Sunday. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can spread in congregate settings-and a potential setback for families already facing uncertain futures.
Measles Concerns Prompt Lockdown at Texas Immigration Facility
The outbreak at the Dilley center, which houses parents and children, raises questions about health protocols and access to care for those in immigration custody.
- ICE halted all movement within the Dilley facility after two measles cases were confirmed Friday.
- The center, located roughly an hour from San Antonio, houses families facing immigration violations.
- Immigration lawyers expressed concerns the outbreak could be used to limit access for oversight.
- The U.S. saw more than 2,200 measles cases in 2025, including a meaningful outbreak in West Texas.
The measles cases were detected friday at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, according to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. ICE’s Health Services Corps responded by quarantining individuals suspected of contact with the infected and ceasing all movement within the facility. Medical officials are actively monitoring detainees and providing medical care, McLaughlin stated.
The situation comes as the Biden administration faces increasing scrutiny over its immigration policies and a recent scale deportation crackdown. Government data shows ICE is currently holding more than 70,000 individuals facing deportation,a substantial increase from approximately 40,000 detainees a year ago. The vast majority of those detained are single adults accused of immigration violations.
The outbreak at Dilley underscores the challenges of maintaining public health within immigration detention centers, particularly as the detention population grows. The situation will likely fuel ongoing debate about the conditions of these facilities and the care provided to those in custody.
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