Judge Raises Concerns Over Long ICE Detentions of Children

Reports of health issues and attempted suicide at Texas facility prompt call for monitoring

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting of a child's face in muted blue, grey, and green tones, conveying a sense of emotional distress and vulnerability.A fractured, abstract portrait reflects the psychological toll of prolonged detention on migrant children.Los Angeles Today

A Los Angeles federal judge expressed concern over reports of long holding times, delayed medical care, and a child's attempted suicide at an immigration detention facility in Texas. Judge Dolly M. Gee said the longer children are held in custody, the more likely these issues are to occur, and she may appoint a monitor to oversee the facility.

Why it matters

The treatment of migrant children in detention facilities has been a contentious and high-profile issue, with concerns raised about the psychological and physical toll of prolonged detention. This case highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the wellbeing of vulnerable minors in the immigration system.

The details

According to the reports reviewed by Judge Gee, children have been held for over 100 days at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas. This includes a recent incident involving a 5-year-old child named Liam who attempted suicide while in custody. The judge expressed that the longer children are detained, the more likely these types of health and safety issues are to arise.

  • The reports reviewed by Judge Gee were presented on March 30, 2026.

The players

Judge Dolly M. Gee

A federal judge for the US District Court for the Central District of California who is overseeing the case regarding conditions at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center.

Dilley Immigration Processing Center

An immigration detention facility located in Texas that has faced scrutiny over the treatment of migrant children in its custody.

Liam

A 5-year-old child who recently attempted suicide while detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center.

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What they’re saying

“The longer they're in custody, the more likelihood these things are going to happen.”

— Judge Dolly M. Gee, US District Court Judge

What’s next

Judge Gee indicated she may appoint a monitor to oversee the Dilley Immigration Processing Center depending on the data presented in the next set of reports.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the health and safety of migrant children detained by immigration authorities, with concerns over prolonged detention times and inadequate medical care. It underscores the need for continued oversight and reform to protect vulnerable minors in the immigration system.