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Hundreds of migrant children remain detained with their parents at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas, amid reports of the confinement conditions and the impact on their physical and mental health.
A comprehensive report by the agency Associated Press (AP) features testimonies from several families describing constant lighting in the bedrooms, spoiled food, limited medical care, and stays that far exceed the three-week limit established by existing judicial agreements for the detention of minors.
Andrea Armero, a Colombian who was deported in February along with her daughters, recounted that her 13-year-old daughter experienced a severe emotional decline after nearly two months in the facility.
The teenager, who was already receiving treatment for anxiety and depression before her detention, stopped eating after discovering a worm in her food. According to her mother, the minor went into crisis and even self-harmed with a plastic knife from the cafeteria.
Documents from the center itself cited by AP mention a history of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and a self-harm attempt.
The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that there was a case of self-harm within the facility, but did not provide further details about the staff's response.
Another testimony collected by the agency is that of Venezuelan Kheilin Valero Marcano, who was detained with her husband and young daughter for nearly two months.
The mother stated that the girl had a high fever, vomiting, and weight loss, and that during repeated visits to the medical facility, she was only given pain relievers. She was later transferred to hospitals, where, according to the family, she was diagnosed with COVID-19, bronchitis, pneumonia, and a stomach virus.
The immigration authorities rejected that version and stated in a press release that the minor received appropriate care at all times and was promptly referred to hospital centers when necessary.
The private company that manages the center, under contract with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stated that no child has been denied medical treatment or has experienced delays in clinical assessments.
According to data analyzed by AP from figures provided by the University of California, Berkeley's Deportation Data Project, more than 3,800 children were placed in immigration detention centers during the first nine months of President Donald Trump's current term.
On average, more than 220 minors were in custody each day, and most of those who exceeded 24 hours were sent to Dilley.
During that period, nearly two-thirds of the detained minors were ultimately deported, and about one in ten left the country with their parents through voluntary departures.
Approximately one-quarter was released in the United States with the requirement to periodically report to authorities while their immigration process progresses.
Organizations that monitor the system indicate that the population in Dilley has steadily increased since last fall, and that the number of people detained has surpassed 1,300 by the end of January.
Specialized child rights attorneys assert that they have documented dozens of cases of minors held for more than 100 days.
Families describe shared rooms occupied by multiple households, with bunk beds placed close together, minimal privacy, and constant tensions.
According to testimonies collected by AP, the lights remain on 24 hours a day, making it difficult to rest. Some parents claim that the water tastes bad and that their children have lost weight or are experiencing rashes and stomach pain.
Emotional impacts are also reported. Children interviewed by the agency expressed confusion about the reasons for their detention and concern for the future of their families. In some cases, they recounted episodes of anxiety, frequent crying, and involuntary nervous movements.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement defended the conditions of the center.
In statements sent to AP, they asserted that Dilley is a facility specifically designed to house families in a safe environment, with access to medical evaluations, recreational spaces, and educational support.
Republican lawmakers who have visited the site pointed out that the criticisms do not reflect the reality observed during their tours. In contrast, mental health specialists and lawyers from civil organizations believe that prolonged detention can exacerbate previous traumas and cause new psychological harm to minors.
The debate over family detention reignites as the legal proceedings regulating the stay of children in immigration custody continue.
For many of the families released in February, returning to their communities means resuming work and school amidst the uncertainty of still open immigration cases. Others, like the Armero family, were deported and are now trying to rebuild their lives in their home countries.
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