Sick Infant Deported to Mexico After Weeks in Texas Detention Center

Juan Nicolás, a 2-month-old baby who faced serious health issues while detained at the South Dilley Detention Center, Texas, has been deported to Mexico. On February 17, Rep. Joaquin Castro said on social media that Nicolás was deported across the border with his family.

The baby was held at the South Texas Family Residential Center for more than three weeks with his mother. While detained, Nicolás developed severe respiratory problems. According to Castro, his mother pleaded with officials to provide medical assistance, but no doctor was present.

Nicolás was admitted to a hospital on February 16 and was diagnosed with bronchitis. He was discharged hours later, despite his mother's claim that he remained unresponsive. The Department of Homeland Security said the child was stable at discharge and continued to be monitored by medical personnel at the detention center.

On the morning of his discharge, a judge ordered his mother’s deportation. Castro later shared an update on X, saying Nicolás was deported to Mexico with his mother, father, and 16-month-old sister despite his ill health.

Castro wrote, “After a discussion with their attorney, I have confirmed that Juan, his 16-month-old sister, his mom, and his dad have been deported. According to their attorney, ICE deported the family with only the money that they had in their commissary—a total of $190.”

The Texas Democrat criticized the Trump administration and ICE for deporting a sick baby. He wrote, “To unnecessarily deport a sick baby and his entire family is heinous. My staff and I are in contact with Juan’s family.” Castro added that his team is focused on tracking Nicolás’ family and ensuring their safety.

The case has raised concerns about the availability of medical care at the Diley detention center. The facility has drawn scrutiny for holding children for extended periods. The Trump administration has said detaining children with their parents helps keep families together.

Activists have raised concerns about the physical and mental trauma children experience while in custody. The Diley center made headlines when 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken there after his father’s arrest. A photo of the child in detention circulated widely and prompted public outcry that led to his release.

Ramos’ father said his child became ill while at the center. Experts warned that just like Ramos and Nicolás, other kids at the facility face health risks.

Becky Wolozin, senior attorney at the National Center for Youth Law, said in a statement to NBC News, “Just like Liam, we’ve had families tell us how their children have been horribly sick and throwing up repeatedly, refusing to eat and becoming despondent and listless.”

DHS maintained that illegal immigrants are provided with advanced medical facilities at detention centers. CoreCivic, the prison operator that oversees Diley center, echoed similar sentiments in a statement to The Daily Beast.

A spokesperson for the company said, “The health and safety of those entrusted to our care is the top priority for CoreCivic. This commitment is shared by our government partners at ICE, and we work closely with them to ensure the well-being of everyone in our care.”