Measles Cases Prompt Quarantine at Texas ICE Facility

DHS says two detainees tested positive, halting all movement at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has quarantined some migrants and halted all movement at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in south Texas after two measles cases were confirmed among detainees. The state's health department confirmed the cases on Saturday, and ICE Health Services Corps has taken steps to control the spread of infection, including quarantining suspected contacts.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks in close-quarter detention facilities can spread rapidly, posing risks to detainees, staff, and surrounding communities. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about health and safety conditions at immigration detention centers.

The details

According to DHS, the two confirmed measles cases prompted the agency to cease all movement within the Dilley facility and quarantine all individuals suspected of coming into contact with the infected detainees. Medical staff will continue monitoring the situation and take steps to prevent further infection.

  • The measles cases were confirmed by the Texas health department on Saturday, February 1, 2026.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, including the operation of detention facilities like the one in Dilley, Texas.

ICE Health Services Corps

The medical unit within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that provides healthcare to detainees in immigration detention centers.

Joaquin Castro

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas who has called for the Dilley facility to be immediately shut down due to its inability to properly handle disease outbreaks.

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What they’re saying

“Because of the close-quarters conditions at Dilley, lack of prompt medical response and capacity, and lack of expertise with diseases such as measles, Dilley is not equipped to combat any spread.”

— Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative (N/A)

What’s next

Medical staff at the Dilley facility will continue monitoring the situation and taking steps to prevent further spread of the measles outbreak.

The takeaway

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about the ability of immigration detention centers to adequately address health and safety issues, especially the potential for rapid disease transmission in crowded conditions.