Measles Outbreak Rocks Dilley Immigration Facility

An outbreak of measles has compelled U.S. immigration officials to quarantine several migrants and completely suspend movement at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas. This decisive measure follows the confirmation of two measles cases among detainees, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security on Monday.

The state's health department confirmed the presence of the disease at the facility on Saturday. In response, ICE Health Services Corps acted promptly to control the spread, quarantining affected individuals and committing to continuous monitoring. These developments align with a nationwide surge in measles cases, exacerbating concerns about the facility's capacity to manage such public health threats effectively.

In light of the situation, U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro has called for an immediate closure of the center, citing inadequate healthcare provisions. His office and congressional staffers, after visiting the facility, stressed the lack of reliable medical care for detainees, underscoring ICE's accountability for these conditions. The Dilley facility, backed by the private entity CoreCivic, originally slated for closure, remains operational following a renewed contract under President Trump's administration.