Toddler Returned to ICE Custody, Denied Medication

Lawsuit alleges 18-month-old girl faced medical neglect in detention

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A nonprofit migrant shelter in Laredo, Texas, is seeing a sharp increase in immigrant families being received from the Dilley detention center. An 18-month-old girl named Amalia was allegedly returned to ICE custody and denied necessary medication, according to a new lawsuit.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrant children in ICE detention facilities, which have faced numerous allegations of medical neglect and substandard conditions.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Amalia, an 18-month-old girl, was detained at the Dilley detention center and then returned to ICE custody, where she was denied access to necessary medication. Advocates say Amalia nearly died while in detention at Dilley.

  • Amalia, an 18-month-old girl, was detained at the Dilley detention center.

The players

Amalia

An 18-month-old girl who was detained by ICE and allegedly denied necessary medication.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants.

Dilley detention center

An immigration detention facility in Dilley, Texas, operated by ICE.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrant children in ICE detention facilities, which have faced numerous allegations of medical neglect and substandard conditions.