Feverish toddler refused food for 12 days in ICE detention at Dilley
A two-year-old boy and his mother, Joani, were released from the Dilley family detention center in Texas after he spent 12 days refusing to eat while running a fever. Rep. Joaquin Castro had publicly called for his release.
Mar 30, 2026Dilley, TX

A two-year-old boy who was held at the Dilley family detention center in Texas since March 19, 2026, and his mother Joani were released on April 2, 2026, after the boy spent 12 days refusing to eat while running a fever. His attorney, Columbia Law School professor Elora Mukherjee, said the situation amounted to a medical emergency. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security said detained individuals receive meals, water, and medical care, including access to a pediatrician. Rep. Joaquin Castro had publicly called for the boy's release and renewed criticism of the facility, which currently holds roughly 1,400 people, including about 400 children.
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Sources
- Two-Year-Old Sick at ICE Dilley Facility — Rep. Joaquin Castro Demands Medical Care and Closure
CRBC News·Mar 31, 2026·archived copy
- The Toddler in the ICE Prison Who Wouldn't Eat
Migrant Insider·Apr 2, 2026·archived copy
- Two-year-old held at ICE’s Dilley facility is sick, not eating, and reportedly denied care
Americans Against ICE·Apr 1, 2026
- Client Challenge
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