Rep. Tony Gonzales Champions Texas Detention Center Amid Measles Concerns

Rep. Tony Gonzales defended the Texas immigration detention center on Sunday, asserting that it is "nicer than some elementary schools," even as reports of a measles outbreak surfaced alongside criticism from immigration advocates.

"I've visited dozens of facilities, including the one in Dilley," Gonzales stated during an appearance on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." He emphasized, "It is a nice facility. It's a detention facility for people that are in the country illegally that are about to be deported but it is a nice facility. Nicer than some elementary schools."

While Gonzales labeled the Dilley facility as "nice," he refrained from detailing specific conditions. The center, which accommodates children and families, has faced scrutiny from activists who describe the environment as unsafe, according to reports.

In February, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a suspension of "all movement" at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center following two confirmed cases of active measles among detainees.

A DHS spokesperson responded to allegations regarding unsafe conditions, asserting that families in the Dilley Detention Center are housed in facilities that meet their safety, security, and medical needs. The statement highlighted that detainees receive three meals daily, toiletries, medical care, and access to phones.

Furthermore, the spokesperson noted that "being in detention is a choice," indicating that DHS is providing financial incentives for unauthorized immigrants to "self-deport."

Gonzales expressed concern for 5-year-old Liam Ramos, who entered the U.S. with his parents using the now-defunct CBP One app, arguing that he would not "qualify for asylum." "It breaks my heart," he remarked. "I have a five-year-old at home. I also think, what about that five-year-old U.S. citizen?"

Ramos and his father were detained during the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge," which targeted undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis. They were later released and returned to Minneapolis. This operation has been linked to the deaths of two American citizens, prompting further scrutiny of its methods.

Gonzales maintained that feeling "compassionate" does not hinder the enforcement of immigration laws in a humane manner. "Let's enforce our laws, but let's do it in a humane way," he urged.

The backlash against President Trump's immigration policy continues as Democratic candidates gain ground in elections, including recent victories in Texas. Gonzales noted early warnings about the party's direction: "If we go down this route as a party, we're not going to be successful," he said.

A recent poll indicated that while 50% of the public supports Trump's immigration goals, only 37% approve of his methods for conducting deportation operations. Gonzales suggested a shift in communication strategy: "If you go into a jail and you go cell by cell, that makes a lot more sense to American people than going house by house."

As funding for DHS approaches expiration, Democrats are pushing for revisions to agency operations, including judicial warrant requirements for home entries and mandatory body cameras for agents.

Gonzales acknowledged the need for Congress to address these issues, stating that body cameras "make a lot of sense." However, he criticized judicial warrants as potential roadblocks to effective immigration enforcement. "Administrative warrants work," he asserted. "I want to give law enforcement every tool they need to go out and apprehend these convicted criminals that are loose in our community."

His comments reflect ongoing debates about balancing enforcement with humane treatment within immigration policies.