HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Nonverbal 5-year-old with autism detained for three weeks at ICE facility, released after medical intervention

Mar 24, 2026 · Dilley, TX, Colombia

Nonverbal 5-year-old with autism detained for three weeks at ICE facility, released after medical intervention

Gael, a nonverbal 5-year-old boy from Colombia with significant developmental delays undergoing autism evaluations, was detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas for three weeks along with his asylum-seeking parents, Leonardo and Nelsy. The family was arrested on March 3 during an immigration check-in in El Paso. During his confinement, Gael's health deteriorated severely: he struggled to eat, experienced constipation lasting over a week with visible abdominal swelling and pain, and began engaging in self-harm behavior by hitting himself as his distress increased. Before detention, Gael had been receiving therapy in El Paso while the family pursued their asylum case. His attorney, Elora Mukherjee, requested his release on medical grounds after a video call with children's entertainer Ms. Rachel, arranged by a journalist, drew public attention to his condition. The family was released days later and returned to El Paso with required ICE check-ins to continue their asylum proceedings.

Timeline

Mar 24, 2025Gael and his family released from ICE detention after three weeks
Mar 23, 2025Video call with Ms. Rachel arranged by journalist brings public attention to Gael's condition; attorney Elora Mukherjee requests medical release
Mar 10, 2025During detention, Gael experiences severe medical issues including constipation, abdominal swelling, difficulty eating, and self-harm behavior
Mar 3, 2025Gael and his parents arrested during immigration check-in in El Paso
Mar 3, 2025Gael detained at Dilley Immigration Processing Center with his parents

Sources

More incidents in Texas