News Summary
A California family detained by ICE at the Dilley center is struggling to obtain medical care for their six-year-old son suffering from leukemia. Their legal representatives highlight serious constitutional rights issues and the difficulties faced by immigrant families in custody, particularly concerning treatment access and psychological distress among detained children. As they navigate a federal lawsuit against ICE, the case exposes systemic problems regarding the care of vulnerable families, drawing attention to broader issues of immigration enforcement policies in the U.S.
San Antonio, Texas – A family detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Dilley detention center is facing a legal battle over the rights of their six-year-old son, who is suffering from leukemia. The family, originally from California, was moved to Dilley, 90 minutes southwest of San Antonio, and their situation has raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of children and families in immigration custody.
The child’s attorney, Kate Gibson Kumar, is advocating for the family’s constitutional rights and their access to necessary medical care. She has expressed fear that failure to provide appropriate medical treatment could lead to severe consequences for the child, potentially adding him to the list of tragic incidents previously reported at the facility where another detainee has died.
This situation is part of a broader federal lawsuit filed against ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), arguing that the family’s rights were violated when they were arrested outside an immigration court despite having an active asylum case. The child’s mother, referred to as ‘Ms. Z,’ was at court with her children when their case was dismissed unexpectedly, prompting ICE to detain them shortly thereafter.
Kumar points out that this case exemplifies a recurring issue seen nationwide, contradicting narratives that suggest immigrants are ignoring legal processes. The family had been permitted to enter the U.S. legally and were paroled while awaiting their immigration case; however, their detention has raised alarms over the treatment of vulnerable families.
Reports indicate that the children in custody, including the boy with leukemia, are experiencing significant psychological distress, as evidenced by daily crying and loss of appetite since their detention began. The six-year-old has missed critical treatment appointments for his leukemia, raising heightened concerns regarding the quality and availability of medical care at the Dilley facility.
Legal support for the family includes representatives from several organizations, such as the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP), RAICES, and Columbia Law School’s Immigrants Rights Clinic. These groups are collectively seeking accountability from ICE and DHS. A judge overseeing the case has ordered the involved parties to respond by July 1, further underlining the urgency of addressing the family’s situation.
The Dilley detention center has faced scrutiny over its medical care practices, particularly regarding its treatment of pediatric health needs, which are often described as disorganized and inadequate. The complaints have drawn attention from a variety of advocacy groups who highlight the humanitarian implications of current immigration enforcement policies, especially under the Trump administration.
In connection with this case, other families have also been affected by recent ICE enforcement actions outside San Antonio courts. One such case involves Carmen Herrera, who is currently detained alongside her five daughters, all of whom are U.S. citizens. Herrera’s attorney claims her detention was unnecessary given her family circumstances and the subsequent emotional impact on her children, who are now facing hardships following her arrest.
As the litigation progresses, the situation has continued to evoke discussions around immigrant rights and the treatment of families in detention. The legal representation for the family at Dilley is determined to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to safeguard both the health and the rights of the child and his family amidst the ongoing challenges they face in the immigration system.
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Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- San Antonio Current
- Google Search: San Antonio ICE detainees
- Express News
- Google Scholar: Immigration court process
- Fox San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ICE detainees rights
- Axios San Antonio
- Google News: Texas immigration detainees
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
