Background on Measles Cases and Relevance
The United States immigration authorities have placed some migrants under quarantine and halted “all movements” after confirming two measles cases among detainees at their facilities in southern Texas, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday.
Measles Cases in Dilley Immigration Processing Center
The Texas health department confirmed the cases at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center on Saturday, and DHS reported that “all detainees are receiving appropriate medical care.”
The ICE Health Services (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) immediately took measures to quarantine and control the spread and transmission by halting all movements within the facilities and placing in quarantine anyone suspected of having been in contact with the infected individuals, according to DHS.
Medical personnel continue to monitor the condition of detainees and will take appropriate and active measures to prevent new infections.
Measles Cases in Broader Context
These Texas cases come amid a rise in measles cases across the country, including other parts of Texas and South Carolina, which has seen the largest statewide outbreak so far with 789 infections.
Texas led the nation’s measles case increase in 2025 with 762 infections, primarily in the western region. The United States experienced its largest outbreak since measles was declared eradicated from the country in 2000.
The Texas outbreak was declared extinguished in August.
ICE Detention Centers in Dilley, Texas
The ICE facilities in Dilley, managed by private company CoreCivic, opened in 2014 to house migrant families detained after crossing the US-Mexico border irregularly. These centers were intended to close under President Joe Biden’s administration, but the contract was renewed with ICE in 2020 under Donald Trump’s presidency as part of his immigration crackdown campaign.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the situation? US immigration authorities have quarantined some migrants and halted all movements in Texas detention centers after confirming two measles cases.
- Where did the measles cases occur? The cases were confirmed at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas.
- What measures have been taken? ICE Health Services immediately quarantined and controlled the spread by halting movements and placing in quarantine anyone suspected of contact with infected individuals.
- What is the broader context of measles cases? The US has seen a rise in measles cases, with Texas leading the nation’s increase in 2025 and South Carolina experiencing its largest statewide outbreak.
- What are the ICE detention centers in Dilley? These facilities, managed by CoreCivic, opened in 2014 to house migrant families detained after crossing the US-Mexico border irregularly. The centers were intended to close under President Biden’s administration but were renewed with ICE in 2020.
