Outrage over Ill, Unresponsive Baby in ICE Detention

Two-month-old Juan Nicolás hospitalized with bronchitis while detained with mother at Dilley, Texas facility

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A two-month-old baby named Juan Nicolás, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the detention center in Dilley, Texas, was hospitalized after becoming unresponsive due to a bout of bronchitis. The announcement came from Rep. Joaquin Castro, who expressed deep concern that the baby and his mother will be deported despite the child's deteriorating health, calling ICE's actions "monstrous cruelty."

Why it matters

The Dilley detention center has become a focal point of anti-deportation protests in Texas due to its practice of warehousing large numbers of children. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the inhumane treatment of immigrant families, especially vulnerable children, in ICE detention facilities.

The details

According to Rep. Castro, the baby's mother went before an immigration judge on Tuesday morning and was told she will be deported, though the timing is unclear. Both the baby and his mother have been returned to the Dilley detention center, and their future remains uncertain. Lawmakers and commentators have strongly condemned ICE's actions, calling the detention of the infant "cruel" and "deadly."

  • On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the baby's mother went before an immigration judge.

The players

Juan Nicolás

A two-month-old baby detained by ICE at the Dilley, Texas detention center.

Rep. Joaquin Castro

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas who represents the San Antonio area near the Dilley detention center.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that detained the baby and his mother at the Dilley detention center.

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What they’re saying

“Juan's mom went in front of an immigration judge this morning. She was told she will be deported, but was not told when or where. Both Juan and his mom are back at Dilley and their future remains uncertain.”

— Rep. Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative (Twitter)

“Horrific situation for this baby and his family.”

— Laura Rozen, Independent foreign policy reporter (Twitter)

“An innocent two month old should never have been detained in the first place. Now that he's been hospitalized with bronchitis, it's even more cruel to return him to captivity.”

— Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, U.S. Representative (Twitter)

“ICE detention centers are inhumane and deadly. Detention is a cruelty no one should endure - especially children and babies. We must end immigration detention and ensure the release of Juan Nicolás, Steven, and every single person held in the camps. Let's pass my Melt ICE Act now!”

— Rep. Delia Ramirez, U.S. Representative (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Juan Nicolás and his mother to be deported.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about the inhumane treatment of immigrant families, especially vulnerable children, in ICE detention facilities. It underscores the urgent need for immigration reform and the closure of such detention centers to protect the wellbeing of those seeking refuge in the United States.