Immigrant Families Detained in Texas Describe Sickness, Lack of Medical Care

Families released from ICE detention center in Dilley, Texas report poor conditions and inadequate treatment for sick children

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:23pm

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Immigrant families detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas have spoken out about the poor conditions they experienced, including sick children with no access to proper medical care. Many were quietly released to a nonprofit shelter in Laredo in recent days, after being held for weeks or months. The detainees described overcrowded facilities, epidemics of illness, and a lack of separation between sick and healthy individuals.

Why it matters

The detention of immigrant families, including young children, has sparked public outcry over the treatment of vulnerable populations in immigration custody. This latest report highlights ongoing concerns about the health and wellbeing of those held in such facilities, which critics argue are no place for children.

The details

Detainees reported that the Dilley facility was overcrowded, with many sick children suffering from fevers, flus, and other illnesses. They said there were no doctors available to provide proper medical care, and that sick individuals were not separated from healthy ones. One pregnant woman, Paloma Marta Aguayo, said her 5-year-old daughter became violently ill with a high fever but was only given ibuprofen. Aguayo and her daughter were held for over a month before being released.

  • On December 20, Paloma Marta Aguayo and her 5-year-old daughter Amaya were transported to the Dilley detention center.
  • Two days later, on December 22, Amaya became violently ill with a high fever.
  • After several weeks, Aguayo petitioned for release, arguing she was not receiving medical care for her pregnancy.
  • Aguayo and her daughter were released on January 23, after spending 35 days at the Dilley facility.

The players

Paloma Marta Aguayo

A 30-year-old Mexican migrant who was detained at the Dilley facility with her 5-year-old daughter Amaya.

Amaya

Aguayo's 5-year-old daughter who became violently ill with a high fever while detained at Dilley.

Joe Barron

The director of the Holding Institute nonprofit shelter in Laredo, Texas, which has received many of the families released from Dilley.

Max

A Russian immigrant living in Los Angeles who was detained with his 14-year-old daughter at the Dilley facility for about a month.

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who was detained by immigration agents alongside his father at the Dilley facility.

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What they’re saying

“There were a lot of sick people in there. And no doctors.”

— Paloma Marta Aguayo

“No child that is 5 years old should be in detention like that.”

— Rep. Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative

“Can you imagine the trauma these kids have had, being uprooted from where they're from? It's bad.”

— Joe Barron, Director, Holding Institute

“This is parenting 101. You can decide to take that child with you, or you can decide to leave a child here with a relative or another spouse.”

— Tom Homan, Former Border Czar

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about the detention of immigrant families, including young children, and the lack of adequate medical care and humane conditions in these facilities. It raises questions about the long-term impacts on the health and wellbeing of those held in immigration detention.