Dilley Detention Protest Highlights Struggle for Immigrant Rights

The Dilley Detention Center: A Place of Protest and Distress

In an alarming demonstration of unity and desperation, hundreds of immigrant families detained in the South Texas Family Residential Center (STFRC) protested on January 24, 2026, rallying around the unjust detention of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy, Liam Conejo Ramos. The protest was sparked after ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, detained the child and his father outside their home in Minneapolis, an incident that family and friends claim involved using the child as bait.

At Dilley, located approximately 70 miles south of San Antonio, detainees voiced their anger and distress chanting "Libertad para los niños," or "Liberty for the kids" as they paraded through the facility's grounds. Eric Lee, an immigration attorney present during the incident, reported that nearly 80% of the 1,500 detainees joined this peaceful protest, demanding dignity and humane treatment consistent with the law.

A Shocking Incident Unfolds

The incident that galvanized the protesters was Ramos’ apprehension, which has drawn national outrage. Many advocates allege that federal agents employed manipulative tactics to entice the boy’s mother to open the door, a claim the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has vehemently denied. Instead, officials maintain their focus was on apprehending the boy’s father, who had allegedly fled upon seeing the agents.

Maria Alejandra Montoya Sanchez, one of many mothers detained at the facility, articulated the shared sentiments of families desperate for justice: "We’re immigrants, with children, not criminals." Her family has been confined at the facility since October and underscores the prolonged emotional toll on the families involved.

The Reality of Detention

The STFRC has been a focal point for criticism over its treatment of immigrant families, with advocates claiming that the conditions are dire and unsafe. Reports of inadequate healthcare, unsanitary living conditions, and subpar meals have emerged over the years, raising questions about the welfare of children detained there. Notably, families have reported severe dehydration and weight loss in young children due to lack of sufficient nourishment and clean water.

"The guards treat detainees harshly, the conditions are similar to those found in punitive prisons, not a place for families," says Lee, shining a light on the psychological and physical challenges faced. These accounts of mistreatment have led to increased scrutiny and public criticism of federal immigration enforcement policies.

Broader Implications: A National Crisis

The Dilley protests represent not only the struggles of immigrant families but a broader aspirational narrative against harsh immigration policies still in effect today. The Biden administration, having previously shut down family detention facilities, has seen a revival of restrictive policies under the Trump administration's return to office. As tensions mounted in cities like Minneapolis following allegations of excessive force by ICE agents, protests across the U.S. indicate growing dissent against immigration policies.

Immigration attorneys and advocates are calling for an urgent review of ICE practices, especially in how they affect vulnerable families and young children. The outcry surrounding the treatment of Liam Conejo Ramos has reignited discussions about humane treatment in immigration processes and the necessary reforms within the system.

What Can Be Done?

As community members and activists come together in solidarity, discussions around reform and support emerge. It is essential for local businesses and organizations to join the fight for immigrant rights. Advocating for humane policies and fostering support networks for immigrant families can be key steps toward positive change.

Local entrepreneurs, like those in San Antonio, can leverage their platforms to raise awareness of these issues, create open dialogues, and support legal services that provide representation for detained families. Building bridges within the community to explain and relate to these immigrant experiences can foster understanding and pave the way for future cooperation.

A Call for Change

The protests at the Dilley facility capture the pressing struggles of immigrant families, and they echo the growing need for reform in U.S. immigration policies. It brings to light the plight of many vulnerable families seeking safety and stability amidst uncertainty. Families and advocates alike are urging communities and policymakers to listen and respond with compassion, paving the way toward justice for all families. This fight for rights embodies the essence of unity, resilience, and hope that empowers change.