HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

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

Congolese family detained at Dilley for months despite legal protections for children

Nov 2025 · Dilley, TX, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Congolese family detained at Dilley for months despite legal protections for children

The Andre family—Carine, an activist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and her three children Estafania, Olivia, and Joel—fled persecution and were initially vetted and released in 2022 to await asylum hearings. After deportation and denied entry to Canada, they were returned to the U.S. and detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley beginning in November 2025, violating the Flores Settlement requiring prompt release of children. Carine and Joel (17) were released in March 2026 after nearly four months in detention; Olivia (19) was released in June 2026 after over five months. Detainees reported inadequate conditions including contaminated food and water, mold, and sleep disruption.

Timeline

Jun 2026Olivia (19) released from Dilley after over five months in detention
Mar 2026Carine, Estafania (minor), and Joel (17) released from Dilley after nearly four months in detention, in violation of Flores Settlement
Nov 2025Family denied entry to Canada and returned to U.S.; detained at South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas
Feb 2025Andre family deported by court order after being released in 2022 to await asylum hearings

Sources

More incidents in Texas