Measles Outbreak Confirmed at South Texas Family Residential Center, Prompting Facility-Wide Quarantine
A measles outbreak has been confirmed at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt all movement at the facility and implement comprehensive quarantine procedures. At least two active cases of measles have been identified among detainees at the center, which houses approximately 1,200 individuals, including over 400 children.
Outbreak Details and ICE Response
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed two active measles infections among detainees at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center. These cases were identified on a Friday, prompting the ICE Health Services Corps to initiate immediate quarantine protocols and cease all internal movement within the facility to prevent further transmission.
Individuals suspected of having contact with those infected have been quarantined, and medical officials are monitoring detainees while providing care.
The facility, also known as the South Texas Family Residential Center, is situated near San Antonio and accommodates parents and children held in federal custody for alleged immigration law violations. Attorney Eric Lee, who represents families at the center, reported that ICE had informed Senate Judiciary staff of the outbreak. Immigration lawyers had previously raised concerns about a potential measles outbreak at the Dilley center even before the official announcement.
Allegations of Substandard Facility Conditions
Attorney Eric Lee has detailed concerning conditions at the Dilley facility. He cited "food with worms, bugs in it" and "water with a putrid smell" that families were reportedly compelled to drink and use for preparing baby formula.
Lee also recounted a specific incident where a child experiencing appendicitis was initially advised by staff to take a pain reliever. The child was only hospitalized for an appendectomy after their condition significantly deteriorated.
"Attorney Eric Lee has described conditions at the facility, citing 'food with worms, bugs in it' and 'water with a putrid smell' that families were reportedly required to drink and use for baby formula."
Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio), in a public statement, referenced the detention of a 2-month-old baby at the facility for a period of "four or five days." Separately, a lawyer representing children in U.S. immigration custody voiced deep concern for the physical and mental health of families at Dilley.
Broader Measles Resurgence and Vulnerabilities
Measles, which was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, has seen a resurgence in various parts of the country. Reports from the University of Chicago Medicine attribute this re-emergence to misinformation regarding vaccines and a subsequent reduction in vaccination rates.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlights that environments like correctional facilities are particularly susceptible to the rapid spread of measles. Factors contributing to this susceptibility include congregate housing, inherent challenges in ventilation, and potentially lower vaccine coverage among inhabitants compared to the general public. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the majority of measles deaths occur among unvaccinated or undervaccinated children under the age of five.
National data on measles cases for 2025 varies across different reports. One report states that as of May 2025, the U.S. had recorded over 1,000 new measles cases and three measles-related deaths, surpassing the total reported for all of 2024. Another report indicates over 2,200 measles cases nationally in 2025, including 762 cases in a West Texas outbreak that resulted in two child deaths and 99 hospitalizations.
Overview of ICE Detention System
The overall population within ICE detention centers across the U.S. has significantly increased. Current figures indicate over 70,000 individuals are held, a notable rise from approximately 40,000 individuals held a year prior. In one instance related to the Dilley complex, 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were recently released following a court ruling and subsequently returned to Minnesota.