Measles outbreak at ICE detention facility that houses families and children in Texas
A measles outbreak at a Texas detention center has forced ICE to stop 'all movement' at the facility.
Two 'active measles infections' were detected on Friday at Dilley Immigration Processing Center, reported CBS News.
The facility in South Texas reportedly houses mostly undocumented families who have been taken into custody by ICE.
In a statement obtained by NBC News, Department of Homeland Security Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said both measles patients had been quarantined.
'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,' she said.
McLaughlin said the center's medical staff has taken 'appropriate and active steps to prevent further infection.'
'This is the best healthcare than many aliens have received in their entire lives.'
Detainees at Dilley Detention Center reportedly receive full medical, dental and mental health care while they are in custody.
The DHS reported two cases of the measles at Dilley Detention Center in Texas
The detention center held five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father after they were arrested in Minnesota, prompting protests in Texas
According to CDC, measles has been largely eradicated in the United States
The facility saw a swarm of protestors in the past week over concerns about its treatment of families and children.
Families have alleged moldy food, undrinkable water and unsuitable conditions, reported the Marshall Project.
One detainee told USA Today there were sick children 'everywhere.'
'There were a lot of sick people in there,' she said. 'And no doctors.'
More than 1,700 children are currently being held by immigration enforcement, per the New York Times, and many of them reside at Dilley.
Five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father were held there after being detained by ICE on January 20.
The family garnered national attention when they were arrested following the boy's preschool pickup in Minnesota.
The father and son returned home over the weekend after nationwide protests and a court ruling.
Outrage over the family prompted Texas Representative Joaquin Castro to order inspections of the Dilley this week, per the San Antonio Express-News.
Ramos and his father were released following large scale protests and court orders
Symptoms for measles include cough, fever and rash
According to the CDC, Measles was largely eradicated in the US in 2000. Most known cases are now contracted abroad.
But in 2025, the US saw the most measles cases in a decade amid concerns of dwindling vaccination rates.
Among the 2,267 cases, at least 762 were reported in West Texas, per Fox Digital.
The outbreak resulted in 99 hospitalizations and at least two deaths.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and a rash.
The Daily Mail contacted the Department of Homeland Security for more information.
