An 18-month-aged girl and her parents have been released from U.S. Immigration detention following a lawsuit alleging denial of medical care, according to a complaint filed in Texas. “Little Amalia should have never been detained. She almost died in Dilley,” stated the family’s attorney, Elora Mukherjee.
Detention and Illness
The complaint states the family has been held at a facility run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Dilley, Texas, since December. Reports indicate the facility detains parents and children due to alleged immigration violations.
In January, the girl was taken to a hospital due to severe illness. Doctors diagnosed her with Covid-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), viral bronchitis, and pneumonia. She spent ten days in the hospital. Upon her return to the detention center, the lawsuit alleges that staff denied the family access to prescribed medication, forcing the parents to request it daily and be turned away.
Concerns Over Conditions
The parents are from Venezuela and have been in the U.S. Since 2024, according to the complaint. The girl is a Mexican citizen. The family intends to seek asylum in the U.S.
Attorney Mukherjee stated that hundreds of children and families at the Dilley facility lack adequate access to drinking water, healthy food, education, or proper medical care and should be released. Reports indicate several people have died or been killed while in custody. The Dilley facility recently made headlines due to the detention of a five-year-old and, earlier this week, a measles outbreak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the family’s release?
The family was released after lawyers filed an emergency habeas corpus petition in federal court challenging the continued confinement of the 18-month-old girl.
Where is the Dilley facility located?
The Dilley Immigration Processing Center is located in Dilley, Texas.
What illnesses was the girl diagnosed with?
The girl was diagnosed with Covid-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), viral bronchitis, and pneumonia.
As concerns grow regarding conditions within immigration detention centers, what responsibility do authorities have to ensure the health and safety of those in their care?
