Measles Outbreak Prompts ICE to Halt Activities at Texas Immigration Facility
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has suspended all activities within the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas following the identification of two measles cases among detainees. The halt in movement, announced on Sunday, highlights ongoing public health concerns amidst debates over immigration policies.
This situation underscores the importance of health protocols within immigration facilities, especially given the country’s recent uptick in measles cases. The significance of the outbreak is magnified by the facility’s history of high-profile detentions, raising questions about the adequacy of health services provided to vulnerable populations.
Key Developments
- On January 31, 2026, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed measles infections in two detainees at the Dilley facility.
- ICE officials stated that the impacted detainees were quarantined to prevent further transmission of the virus.
- Comprehensive medical care is provided to detainees, with officials asserting a higher level of care than many had previously experienced.
- This outbreak follows heightened scrutiny over ICE practices after recent detentions involving a young child and his father.
Full Report
Immediate Response to Measles Cases
Following the confirmation of measles cases, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin announced that officials were taking swift action to contain the outbreak. “ICE Health Services Corps immediately took steps to quarantine and control further spread, ceasing all movement within the facility,” she stated. Authorities confirmed that detainees suspected of exposure were also isolated as part of the response plan. Ongoing medical monitoring is in place to ensure the health of all those detained.
Healthcare Provision in ICE Facilities
McLaughlin emphasized that ICE offers a comprehensive healthcare program, which includes medical, dental, and mental health services, as well as access to emergency care. She noted that many immigrants receive medical attention that they might not have had access to previously, underlining the facility’s commitment to detainee health.
Broader Health Concerns
Last year’s statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reflected an alarming resurgence of measles in the U.S., with 2,267 cases reported— the highest in decades. The Texas Department of State Health Services noted a significant concentration of these infections in West Texas, which accounted for at least 762 cases, leading to multiple hospitalizations and fatalities.
Political Implications
The recent outbreak has rekindled scrutiny of ICE’s operations, particularly concerning the treatment of families in detention. Texas Representative Joaquin Castro, who recently assisted in the release of a child and parent from the facility, has stated intentions to inspect ICE facilities further. His office confirmed that precautions, including vaccinations against measles, were taken for staff visiting the center, ensuring the health of recently released family members was not compromised.
Context & Previous Events
The Dilley Immigration Processing Center has become a focal point of criticism following its involvement in high-profile detentions, including that of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father. The facility’s handling of detainee health has come under review in light of these recent measles cases, with implications for both public health and immigration policy moving forward.
