Advocates Decry Inhumane Conditions at Dilley ICE Detention Center

Families seeking asylum in the U.S. face prolonged detention and poor treatment, according to recent reports.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:03pm

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The Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas, which detains immigrant families, is once again under scrutiny for alleged inhumane conditions. Recent accounts from detainees, including a Russian family, describe unsanitary living conditions, lack of medical care, and a prison-like atmosphere that has left many disillusioned with their decision to seek asylum in the U.S. The facility, operated by ICE, has faced criticism for years over its treatment of detainees, particularly children. Advocates are raising these issues in a lawsuit challenging the government's attempts to end protections for children in immigration detention.

Why it matters

The situation at Dilley highlights the broader challenges faced by asylum seekers in the U.S. and the human cost of the Trump administration's strict immigration enforcement policies. The increased budget and power given to ICE has fueled a surge in detentions, leading to protests and calls for Congress to impose limits on the agency's operations. The experiences of families like the Russian couple serve as a stark reminder of the potential for serious health consequences and human rights violations in immigration detention facilities.

The details

The Russian family, who fled their home country in 2024 seeking asylum, described a situation far removed from the hope they envisioned. They allege their children endured unsanitary conditions, including finding worms in their food, and faced lengthy delays in receiving necessary medical attention. The family's lawyer has requested their release, submitting medical records to support their claims. The conditions described by the family, including guards shouting, toys being confiscated, and constant fluorescent lighting, paint a picture of a stressful and potentially damaging environment for children.

  • The Dilley facility was reopened in March.
  • RTVE reported on the conditions at Dilley on February 21, 2026.
  • The Russian family shared their experiences at Dilley with NBC News on February 13, 2026.

The players

Dilley Immigration Processing Center

A facility in Texas that detains immigrant families seeking asylum in the United States.

Nikita and Oksana

A Russian family who fled their home country in 2024 seeking asylum in the United States and were detained at the Dilley facility.

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

The agency that operates the Dilley facility and has been the subject of criticism over its treatment of detainees, particularly children.

President Donald Trump

The current U.S. president whose administration has pursued a strict immigration policy, marked by increased detentions and deportations.

Democrats

Members of the U.S. political party who are reportedly threatening to block budget approvals unless restrictions are placed on ICE's operations.

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What they’re saying

“We left one tyranny and came to another kind of tyranny. Even in Russia, they don't treat children like this.”

— Nikita

What’s next

Attorneys representing families held at Dilley are raising these issues as part of a lawsuit challenging the government's attempts to end protections for children in immigration detention.

The takeaway

The situation at the Dilley ICE Detention Center underscores the broader challenges faced by asylum seekers in the U.S. and the potential for serious human rights violations in immigration detention facilities. The experiences of families like the Russian couple highlight the need for greater transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards in the treatment of vulnerable populations seeking refuge.