Conditions and Reprisals at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center

Recent accounts from detainees at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas, the only family detention center in the United States, reveal troubling conditions and treatment. Sworn declarations collected from families between January and March 2026 describe inadequate medical care, poor food quality, and punitive measures against those who speak out. Detainees reported that guards threatened them for participating in protests or filing grievances, with some families experiencing retaliation, including confiscation of personal items and restrictions on communication with outside advocates.

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Detainees have expressed fear of retribution for voicing their concerns. One father recounted that after participating in a peaceful protest, guards warned that they would face criminal charges and separation from their families if they protested again. Another mother described how her family was placed on lockdown following her communication with reporters, stating, “This is the result of you guys for doing protests; this is the punishment…” Such actions have raised alarms about the treatment of families within the facility, particularly as scrutiny from media and political figures has increased.

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CoreCivic, the private company managing the facility, have consistently defended Dilley, claiming it provides a safe environment with access to quality medical care and educational opportunities. CoreCivic labeled the allegations as “baseless” and stated that the facility’s staff are committed to serving the public. However, these assertions are contradicted by firsthand accounts from detainees, who describe a starkly different reality.

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The emotional toll on children is particularly concerning. Detainees have recounted distressing experiences, such as a Christmas event where a guard dressed as Santa Claus offered no gifts, leaving children confused and upset. One parent described the event as “humiliating and frustrating,” highlighting the disconnect between the facility's portrayal and the lived experiences of families. Additionally, reports of inadequate medical care have surfaced, with one mother detailing her daughter's severe dental issues that went unaddressed despite pleas for help.

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While detainees provide a consistent narrative of intimidation and poor conditions, official statements from DHS and CoreCivic present a conflicting picture of the facility. The lack of independent oversight and transparency raises questions about the accuracy of the claims made by the facility's management. Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive medical care and the punitive measures against families who speak out remain critical gaps in the narrative.

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• “It was humiliating and frustrating to be treated this way; it was worse than doing nothing actually.” — Parent of a 9-year-old girl

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• “After hearing these threats, we felt overwhelmed with fear.” — 33-year-old father of a four-year-old girl

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• “This is the result of you guys for doing protests; this is the punishment…” — Detainee on lockdown

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• “If I stay in the US, I want to be an advocate for people who are innocent to get out of jail.” — 13-year-old child at Dilley

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The situation at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center continues to draw attention as families navigate the complexities of detention and advocacy amidst a backdrop of alleged mistreatment and intimidation.

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