Baby Released from US Immigration Detention After Medical Neglect Lawsuit

Family alleges denial of medical care for 18-month-old girl at Dilley facility

Feb. 8, 2026 at 1:47am

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An 18-month-old girl and her parents have been released from U.S. Immigration detention in Dilley, Texas, following a lawsuit alleging the denial of medical care for the child. The girl was hospitalized in January with COVID-19, RSV, viral bronchitis, and pneumonia, and the lawsuit claims the detention center denied the family access to prescribed medication upon her return.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns over the medical care and living conditions provided to vulnerable populations, such as young children, held in immigration detention facilities. The alleged denial of prescribed medication raises ethical and legal questions about the duty of care owed to those in custody.

The details

The family, who are seeking asylum in the U.S., had been held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Dilley, Texas, since December. In January, the 18-month-old girl was taken to a hospital and diagnosed with several serious illnesses. Upon her return to the detention center, the lawsuit alleges the staff denied the family access to the girl's prescribed medication, forcing the parents to request it daily and be turned away.

  • The family has been held at the Dilley facility since December.
  • The girl was hospitalized in January with COVID-19, RSV, viral bronchitis, and pneumonia.
  • The lawsuit was filed after the girl's return to the detention center.

The players

Elora Mukherjee

The family's attorney who stated that the 18-month-old girl should never have been detained and that she almost died in the Dilley facility.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The agency that runs the Dilley Immigration Processing Center where the family was detained.

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What they’re saying

“Little Amalia should have never been detained. She almost died in Dilley.”

— Elora Mukherjee, Family's attorney

What’s next

The family intends to seek asylum in the U.S. after their release from detention.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious medical and ethical concerns surrounding the detention of vulnerable populations, such as young children, in immigration facilities. It raises questions about the duty of care owed to those in custody and the need for reforms to ensure the health and safety of detainees.