Full Breakdown
Medical Emergencies at Dilley Immigration Detention Center Raise Concerns
2/27/2026, 7:52:52 PM
Overview of Medical Emergencies
Reports from the Dilley Family Detention Center in Texas reveal a troubling pattern of medical emergencies involving children and pregnant women. Emergency 911 calls indicate that incidents occur multiple times a month, highlighting serious health concerns among detainees. The facility, which opened in March 2025, has been the subject of scrutiny due to its handling of medical care for vulnerable populations.
Case Study: Amalia Valero Marcano
Kheilin Valero Marcano's account of her 17-month-old daughter, Amalia, exemplifies the alarming conditions at Dilley. After being detained during an immigration check-in in El Paso, Texas, Amalia's health deteriorated significantly over the course of a month. Valero Marcano reported that her daughter experienced severe respiratory issues, including a persistent cough and dangerously low blood-oxygen levels. Despite the family's repeated requests for medical assistance, they faced delays and inadequate care, as they were required to wait outside in harsh weather for medication. Following a critical episode on January 18, 2024, Amalia was transported to Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, where she was treated for pneumonia, Covid-19, and respiratory distress. Upon her return to Dilley, medical staff allegedly withheld a prescribed nebulizer, claiming it was unnecessary.
Broader Patterns of Neglect
Other families at Dilley have reported similar experiences. Emergency calls have been made for children suffering from fevers and respiratory distress, including a two-month-old baby and a one-year-old. One call described a child whose condition was so severe that first responders considered airlifting him to the hospital but were hindered by inclement weather. Kristin Etter, director of policy and legal services at the Texas Immigration Law Council, described the living conditions as bleak, with detainees housed in large rooms accommodating up to 60 people.
Official Responses and Criticism
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied allegations of inadequate medical care, asserting that Amalia received proper treatment upon falling ill. CoreCivic, the company operating the Dilley facility, claims that the health of detainees is a priority, with 120 medical professionals on site. However, Dr. Ashley Cozzo, a pediatrician, expressed concerns that the facility's conditions may contribute to the spread of infectious diseases and that there is a failure to provide timely medical intervention.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While DHS and CoreCivic maintain that detainees receive appropriate medical care, firsthand accounts from families indicate a stark contrast. Reports of children being sent to hospitals for serious conditions and the withholding of prescribed medications raise questions about the adequacy of care provided at Dilley. The discrepancy between official statements and personal testimonies highlights a critical gap in understanding the true state of health care within the detention center.
Conclusion: Ongoing Concerns
The situation at the Dilley Family Detention Center underscores significant concerns regarding the treatment of children and families in immigration detention. As more families come forward with similar accounts, the call for reform and improved medical care within these facilities grows louder. The need for systemic changes to ensure the health and safety of vulnerable populations remains urgent.
