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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has temporarily suspended all movements within the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas in response to a measles outbreak, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The Department of Homeland Security revealed that two detainees were diagnosed with measles on Saturday. This development coincided with the release of a 5-year-old boy and his father, a case that had previously drawn significant public concern.
“On January 31, 2026, the Texas Department of State Health Services verified that two detainees at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center have active measles infections,” stated Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
She further mentioned that ICE health officials are actively working to quarantine those affected until the outbreak is fully managed.
In a related event, Rep. Joaquin Castro was present as he escorted 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from the ICE detention center in Dilley, Texas, on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
“ICE Health Services Corps immediately took steps to quarantine and control further spread and infection, ceasing all movement within the facility and quarantining all individuals suspected of making contact with the infected,” McLaughlin said.
“Medical staff is continuing to monitor the detainees’ conditions and will take appropriate and active steps to prevent further infection. All detainees are being provided with proper medical care.”
Federal officials announced Sunday that an ICE facility in Texas found two cases of measles. (istock/Tami Chappell)
Despite the reported cases, officials emphasized that the facility provides comprehensive health care, surpassing what many immigrants had previously received.
“It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody,” McLaughlin said. “This includes medical, dental, and mental health services as available, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. This is the best healthcare than many aliens have received in their entire lives.”
Rep. Joaquin Castro poses with Liam Conejo Ramos, father Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias and Rep. Ilhan Omar following the family’s release from a detention center in Texas. (Rep. Ilhan Omar)
Last year, the U.S. recorded the highest number of measles cases in decades, with 2,267 cases nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Texas Department of State Health Services noted that at least 762 cases occurred in West Texas, resulting in at least two deaths and 99 hospitalizations, according to state data last updated in August.
The Dilley facility recently faced heightened scrutiny after detaining 5‑year‑old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, prompting Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro to vow inspections of the facility later this week, according to San Antonio Express-News.
Castro’s office said the notification of the two reported cases came shortly after the congressman’s pledge, the outlet reported, citing spokesperson Katherin Schneider.
His office added that Castro and his staff members who visited the facility are reportedly vaccinated against measles, and that the father and son received a full medical exam before their release and would not have been allowed to leave had there been any risk.