An 18-month-old girl detained by U.S. immigration authorities was allegedly returned to custody and denied critical medication after being hospitalized with a life-threatening respiratory illness. According to a lawsuit filed in federal court in Texas, the child’s health sharply declined while she was held at a detention facility in Dilley.
The toddler, identified in court documents as “Amalia,” was released after her parents filed suit seeking freedom for the entire family. Soon afterward, immigration authorities released her parents as well.
Family Detained During Routine Check-In
The lawsuit states that the family was taken into custody during a scheduled immigration check-in on December 11. They were then transferred to the Dilley facility, where they remained for weeks.
However, Amalia’s health began to deteriorate in early January. She developed a high fever reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit, began vomiting frequently, and struggled to breathe. As her condition worsened, she was hospitalized on January 18.
Multiple Respiratory Diagnoses
Doctors reportedly diagnosed her with COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, viral bronchitis, and pneumonia. In addition, her oxygen levels were dangerously low, requiring supplemental oxygen during her hospital stay. She remained hospitalized until January 28.
Although she was discharged with a nebulizer and prescribed respiratory medication, the lawsuit claims detention staff confiscated both items upon her return to the facility. Furthermore, nutritional drinks provided to help her regain weight were also taken away. Court filings state the toddler lost 10 percent of her body weight during her illness.
Conditions at the Facility Questioned
Elora Mukherjee, the family’s attorney, said the child should never have been detained and argued that conditions at the Dilley center are inadequate. She claims families there lack reliable access to clean water, proper nutrition, education, and medical care.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has not responded publicly to the allegations.
Broader Criticism of Immigration Policies
The case comes amid wider criticism of the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Critics have accused officials of using harsh tactics and, in some cases, violating court orders.
For example, a federal judge in Michigan recently ordered the release of a five-year-old boy detained in Minnesota. That ruling followed public concern over a widely shared photo of the child during his arrest.
Amalia’s parents, who are originally from Venezuela, have lived in the United States since 2024. Their daughter is a Mexican citizen. According to the lawsuit, the family intends to apply for asylum.
