Concerns Persist Over Conditions at Dilley Family Detention Center

Recent reports and court filings reveal ongoing concerns regarding the conditions at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, a detention facility housing migrant families. Despite a decrease in the overall number of detainees, issues of inadequate medical care, insufficient food, and prolonged detention periods continue to raise alarms among legal advocates and human rights organizations.

Prolonged Detention and Legal Limits

As of mid-March 2026, approximately 85 children were still detained at Dilley, down from around 280 in early February, but conditions remained troubling, according to Mishan Wroe, managing attorney for the National Center for Youth Law . The facility is subject to the Flores Settlement Agreement of 1997, which sets a 20-day limit on the detention of migrant children. But, data indicates that hundreds of children have been held beyond this limit in recent months.

An ICE report found that approximately 595 migrant children were detained for more than 20 days in December and January, with 265 held for over 50 days and 55 for more than 100 days . This represents an increase from the previous reporting period of August to September, when 400 children were held beyond the 20-day limit.

Cases of Medical Neglect and Mental Health Crises

Court filings detail harrowing cases of children experiencing medical and psychological distress whereas detained. One case involved a 13-year-old girl who attempted suicide after being denied prescribed antidepressants and access to her mother . Despite the attempt, the government reported no placement under suicide watch, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press.

The Case of Liam Conejo Ramos

The case of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained with his father after being apprehended in Minnesota in January 2026, garnered significant public attention . Ramos and his father were initially held at the Dilley facility, sparking protests and advocacy for their release. However, their asylum case has since been denied . Representative Joaquin Castro visited Ramos and his father at the facility in January 2026, calling for their immediate release .

Declining Detention Numbers and Government Response

The number of families booked into the Dilley detention center has significantly decreased. In February 2026, book-ins fell to 133, a more than 75% drop compared to the average of 600 per month between April 2025 and January 2026 . As of mid-March 2026, the facility held only around 100 people, compared to an average of over 900 in January . The reasons for this decline remain unclear, but it followed weeks of public pressure generated by letters from detained children detailing their experiences.

The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the Dilley facility provides essential resources to families in detention and that the administration is working to expedite the processing and expulsion of detainees. However, advocates like Leecia Welch, legal director of Children’s Rights, argue that “Dilley remains a living hell” despite the reduced population .

Ongoing Legal Challenges

Judge Dolly Gee of the United States District Court for the Central District of California is scheduled to review the case related to the Flores Settlement Agreement later this month. The Trump administration has previously sought to end the agreement, viewing it as a barrier to immigration enforcement.