Texas Guard Members Reportedly Working Inside Dilley ICE Center

Rep. Joaquin Castro alleges some are in civilian clothes as measles cases confirmed at facility

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro claims members of the Texas National Guard are working inside federal immigration detention facilities in South Texas, including the Dilley family ICE center, with some allegedly dressed in civilian clothes. This comes as the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed two measles cases at the Dilley center, leading to a halt in movement inside the facility.

Why it matters

The alleged presence of Texas National Guard troops inside immigration detention centers, potentially in civilian attire, raises complex legal questions about the role of the military in immigration enforcement operations. It also heightens concerns about transparency and oversight of conditions at these facilities, especially amid a measles outbreak.

The details

According to Rep. Castro, the Guard deployments to sites like the Dilley center began last year and involve hundreds of soldiers statewide. Some are allegedly working in civilian clothing, which Castro described as being "basically camouflaged as civilians." The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed two measles cases at Dilley, leading to a quarantine and halt in movement inside the facility as medical staff monitor potentially exposed detainees.

  • The Texas National Guard deployments to immigration detention centers allegedly began sometime last year.
  • On January 31, state health officials confirmed two measles cases at the Dilley center.

The players

Rep. Joaquin Castro

A U.S. Representative who claims to have been told by federal immigration staff about the presence of Texas National Guard troops, including some in civilian clothes, working inside detention facilities like the one in Dilley.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that has confirmed two measles cases at the Dilley immigration detention center and said steps were taken to quarantine and control further spread of the virus.

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What’s next

Legal experts say the use of state military forces in immigration enforcement, particularly if soldiers are indistinguishable from civilian contractors, raises complex questions about the Posse Comitatus Act, the dividing line between state and federal command, and whether the deployments are being properly authorized. Courts have already weighed in on some Title 10 federalizations in other contexts, and those rulings could shape oversight of any Guard activity tied to ICE operations in Texas.

The takeaway

The alleged presence of Texas National Guard troops inside immigration detention centers, potentially in civilian attire, heightens concerns about transparency, oversight, and the appropriate role of the military in immigration enforcement operations, especially amid a measles outbreak that has led to a quarantine at the Dilley facility.