Texas Rep. Defends Conditions at Detention Center with Measles Outbreak

Gonzales says Dilley facility is "nicer than some elementary schools" despite criticism from activists.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, defended the conditions at the Dilley immigration detention center in Texas, where a measles outbreak has occurred. Gonzales said the facility is "nicer than some elementary schools" and argued that the 5-year-old detainee, Liam Ramos, would not qualify for asylum. Immigration activists have criticized the conditions at the Dilley facility, which is the only one in the country that holds children and families.

Why it matters

The conditions at immigration detention centers, especially those holding children, have been a major point of contention. Gonzales' comments defending the Dilley facility come amid reports of a measles outbreak and criticism from activists, highlighting the ongoing debate over how undocumented immigrants, including families, should be treated.

The details

Gonzales said he has visited the Dilley facility many times and considers it a "nice facility" that is "nicer than some elementary schools." However, he did not elaborate on the specific conditions. The Dilley facility is the only immigration detention center in the country that holds children and families, and immigration activists have described the conditions as unsafe. In February, the Department of Homeland Security announced it had halted "all movement" at the facility after two inmates had "active measles infections."

  • In February 2026, DHS announced it had halted "all movement" at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center after two inmates had "active measles infections."

The players

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman from Texas who has visited the Dilley immigration detention facility multiple times and defended its conditions.

Liam Ramos

A 5-year-old child who was detained at the Dilley facility along with his parents.

Adrian Conejo Arias

The father of Liam Ramos, who was detained with his son at the Dilley facility.

Gregory Bovino

The commander-at-large of the Border Patrol who led the "Operation Metro Surge" that resulted in the detention of Liam Ramos and his father.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees immigration enforcement, including the Dilley detention facility.

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What they’re saying

“The facility in Dilley, I've visited there many times. I've visited dozens of facilities. It is a nice facility. It's a detention facility for people that are in the country illegally that are about to be deported but it is a nice facility. Nicer than some elementary schools.”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales

“It breaks my heart. I have a five-year-old at home. I also think, what about that five-year-old U.S. citizen?”

— Rep. Tony Gonzales

What’s next

The judge in Liam Ramos' case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him and his father to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the treatment of undocumented immigrant families, including children, in detention centers. While Rep. Gonzales defends the Dilley facility, activists have criticized the conditions, raising concerns about public health and the wellbeing of detainees.