Measles outbreak reported at Texas immigration detention center

13 cases confirmed at facility in El Paso

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:47am

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Thirteen measles cases have been reported at an immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas. Health officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks in confined settings like detention centers can spread rapidly due to close living conditions and high population density. This raises concerns about the health and safety of both detainees and staff at the facility.

The details

The 13 measles cases were confirmed at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in El Paso. Health authorities are conducting contact tracing and providing vaccinations to try to limit the outbreak. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals.

  • The measles cases were reported on February 28, 2026.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that oversees immigration detention facilities in the United States.

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What’s next

Health officials will continue monitoring the situation and providing vaccinations to contain the measles outbreak at the detention center.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of vaccination and disease prevention measures in crowded institutional settings to protect the health and safety of both detainees and staff.