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South Texas family detention center faces health crises, conditions scrutiny

Feb 27, 2026·Location: Dilley, TX

South Texas family detention center faces health crises, conditions scrutiny
Photo via NBC News

The South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, operated by CoreCivic, faced multiple documented problems affecting detained immigrant families and children. Emergency responders handled at least 11 medical emergencies since September 2025, including respiratory distress, seizures, and fever in infants and young children. Detainees reported finding worms, bugs, and mold in food, contaminated drinking water, and inadequate nutrition, leading to a confirmed measles outbreak in early 2026. Children experienced inadequate medical care, 24-hour lighting, and some were detained beyond the 20-day legal limit. A 13-year-old girl denied prescribed anxiety medications experienced a mental health crisis and attempted suicide before deportation. Following media coverage and a January protest, facility staff increased confiscation of art supplies, drawings, and personal items from detainees, and restricted communications with family and lawyers through Google services and video calls. A federal judge ruled some detentions unconstitutional, and medical advocates and congressional representatives called for facility closure.

Timeline

Feb 27, 2026—Federal judge ruled some detentions at facility unconstitutional; medical advocates and congressional representatives called for facility closure
Feb 26, 2026—Staff increased confiscation of art supplies and restricted communications with families and lawyers
Feb 1, 2026—Measles outbreak confirmed at facility
Jan 1, 2026—Protest occurred and media coverage of detained 5-year-old detainee named Liam
Sep 1, 2025—Medical emergencies began occurring at Dilley detention facility, documented over following months
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