Prolonged Detention at Dilley Detention Facility: How Children Are Suffering in Texas Immigration Centers

As an immigration attorney in Houston, I have seen firsthand how federal detention policies affect families and children. Recent watchdog reports have shed new light on the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, revealing prolonged detention conditions that violate federal standards and inflict lasting harm on vulnerable minors.

This is not just a legal matter—it is a human rights issue unfolding in our state.

What the Report Reveals About Dilley Detention Conditions

The Guardian and other national outlets recently reported that children held at the Dilley facility have endured:

• Lack of clean water and sanitation for extended periods

• Sleep deprivation caused by overcrowding and facility routines

• Insufficient medical care for minors with health conditions

• Extended detention beyond the legal limits allowed under the Flores Settlement Agreement, which sets protections for immigrant children

These conditions directly contradict federal court rulings that require humane treatment for minors in immigration custody.

Why Prolonged Detention Violates Federal Law

The Flores Settlement Agreement—a longstanding federal decree—requires that children in immigration custody be:

• Released promptly to family members or guardians when possible

• Held in facilities that are safe, sanitary, and appropriate for minors

• Protected from conditions that jeopardize their mental and physical health

Prolonged detention in overcrowded or unsafe conditions violates these principles and leaves the federal government open to legal challenges. Texas, as a hub for these detention centers, is at the center of this controversy.

The Human Impact on Texas Families and Children

Behind the legal language are real families: children separated from parents, infants without adequate medical support, and teenagers losing months of their childhood in confinement.

Research has shown that even short stays in detention can cause lasting trauma—including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When detention extends beyond legal limits, the harm multiplies.

For families in Texas and across the U.S., these conditions create fear and instability. Many hesitate to pursue their legal rights, fearing further separation or retaliation.

How Immigration Attorneys Can Help Families in Detention

As an attorney, my role is not only to represent clients in court but also to advocate for humane treatment. In cases involving prolonged detention:

• Legal Representation ensures that families understand their rights under federal law.

• Advocacy in Court can challenge unlawful detention, especially when children are held beyond legal limits.

• Community Resources connect families to organizations providing humanitarian support, from medical care to housing.

By combining legal action with advocacy, we can push back against systemic practices that harm vulnerable children.

What Comes Next for Immigration Law in Texas

The reports from Dilley will likely lead to renewed lawsuits and greater scrutiny of ICE’s compliance with Flores. If history is a guide, federal judges may issue further injunctions to prevent prolonged child detention.

But beyond the courts, this issue is part of a broader debate: What does humane immigration enforcement look like in America?

For Texans, the answer matters deeply. Our state hosts multiple ICE facilities, and the outcomes of these cases will shape how immigrants—especially children—are treated for years to come.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Children Must Come First

As a Houston immigration attorney, I believe that protecting children should always be the highest priority in any immigration policy. The conditions at the Dilley detention center remind us that law and compassion must go hand in hand.

Immigration enforcement should never come at the expense of children’s health, dignity, or future. The law is clear: prolonged detention is unlawful, and as advocates, we must hold authorities accountable.

🔗 Sources for further reading:

• The Guardian: Children left short of clean water and sleep at ICE facility in Texas

• Flores Settlement Agreement Overview – ACLU