Families Describe Trauma at Texas Detention Center
Immigrant families detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center say children are being held for weeks or months—far beyond the 20-day limit established under the Flores Settlement Agreement, a court settlement meant to protect minors in immigration custody.
Data collected by court monitors shows more than 900 children have been detained longer than 20 days since the start of the second administration of Donald Trump, with some confined for more than twice that period.
Child With Autism Struggles in Detention
Vilma Bautista Torres, an asylum seeker from Honduras, said she and her 9-year-old son Kenek—who has severe autism—spent more than 80 days at the facility. Without therapy or specialized schooling, she said her son became increasingly distressed, crying at night and hitting himself.
“He would tell me, ‘Let’s go to my house,’” she said.
Advocates Warn of Harm to Children
Immigration lawyers say prolonged detention is part of a broader enforcement strategy meant to discourage asylum claims. Experts warn extended confinement can cause developmental regression and psychological trauma in children.
The facility is operated by private prison company CoreCivic under contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which denies claims of poor care and says families receive appropriate services.
Advocates argue the cases highlight the growing impact of immigration detention policies on vulnerable children and families awaiting asylum decisions.
For more on immigration enforcement effects and updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.