Measles Outbreak Confirmed at Texas Immigration Detention Facility in Dilley

February 2, 2026 – DILLEY, Texas — Federal officials have confirmed a measles outbreak at the South Texas Family Residential Center, an immigration detention facility in Dilley, Texas, prompting a temporary halt to activities and heightened health measures.

On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security said the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed two active measles infections among detainees at the facility, which houses families and children detained on alleged immigration violations. In response, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halted “all movement” within the center and quarantined people who may have had contact with those infected.

Officials said the infected individuals are receiving medical care and that health staff are monitoring others to prevent further spread. The outbreak was detected as the facility was already under scrutiny following the controversial detention and recent release of a 5-year-old boy and his father, drawing national attention to conditions at the center.

Advocates and legal representatives have raised concerns about outbreak risks in crowded detention settings and called for transparency and safeguards for the health of detainees. As measles is highly contagious, public health officials say rapid containment in such environments is critical.