YouTube Star Speaks Out on Conditions at Texas Detention Center

Ms. Rachel expresses concern for children held at the Dilley detention facility

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A popular YouTube educator with nearly 19 million subscribers, known as Ms. Rachel, has spoken out about her worries for children living at the Dilley detention center in South Texas. The facility, formally called the South Texas Family Residential Center, has faced renewed scrutiny over the detention of several children in recent weeks. Ms. Rachel, who uses her platform to create educational content for young viewers, said she is "really worried about the kids" and called on other educators and community leaders to prioritize children's wellbeing.

Why it matters

The Dilley detention center has drawn significant criticism from former detainees, Texas lawmakers, and protestors over concerns about the treatment and conditions for families and children held there. Ms. Rachel's decision to speak out as a prominent public figure adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding better care for the vulnerable population housed at the facility.

The details

In her Instagram video, Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, said "Kids need clean water, healthy food and they need to be able to feel secure in their environment to thrive and to develop well." Her comments come after the recent releases of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and 10-year-old Karla Tiul Baltazar from the detention center. This week, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) defended the conditions at Dilley, comparing them favorably to some elementary schools, just a week after the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed two active measles cases at the facility.

  • In early February, 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father were released from the Dilley detention center.
  • Last weekend, 10-year-old Karla Tiul Baltazar and her father were ordered to be released from the Dilley detention center.
  • This week, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) defended the conditions at the Dilley detention center.

The players

Ms. Rachel

A YouTube sensation with nearly 19 million subscribers, known for her educational videos for toddlers. Her real name is Rachel Accurso.

Liam Ramos

A 5-year-old child who was recently released from the Dilley detention center in South Texas.

Karla Tiul Baltazar

A 10-year-old child who was recently ordered to be released from the Dilley detention center in South Texas.

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican congressman from Texas who defended the conditions at the Dilley detention center, comparing them favorably to some elementary schools.

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What they’re saying

“I am really worried about the kids living in Dilley detention center.”

— Ms. Rachel, YouTube Educator (Instagram)

“Kids need clean water, healthy food and they need to be able to feel secure in their environment to thrive and to develop well.”

— Ms. Rachel, YouTube Educator (Instagram)

“Helping all kids thrive is going to make a better world for every child.”

— Ms. Rachel, YouTube Educator (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the cases of the children released from the Dilley detention center will continue to monitor the facility's compliance with standards for the treatment of families and minors.

The takeaway

Ms. Rachel's decision to use her large platform to advocate for the wellbeing of children detained at the Dilley facility underscores the growing public concern over the conditions and treatment of vulnerable populations at immigration detention centers. Her call for educators and community leaders to prioritize children's needs could inspire further action and oversight to ensure the humane treatment of all detainees.