Children at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Texas have access to computers, exercise, and educational resources, as per a video shared by Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez. He claims that Democrats are misrepresenting the conditions within the agency.
The brief clip posted on X highlights the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Dilley, located approximately 70 miles southwest of San Antonio, noted for its family-friendly environment.
Gonzalez noted, “You’ll see politicians making big statements about the Dilley ICE Center in my district, #TX23. This is all for show. I’ve been there and witnessed the advanced facilities and protocols followed by @ICEgov. Our ICE agents and CBP officers are fulfilling their duties, while Democrats are attempting to twist the narrative against law enforcement.”
In Gonzalez’s videos, children are visible in a library using computers, engaging in reading, and possibly working on school activities under adult supervision. Other footage captures kids enjoying an indoor basketball court and playing games like “Red Light, Green Light” outside.
These images conflict with the longstanding assertions from numerous Democratic lawmakers, who have accused ICE of confining children in inadequate and unsanitary conditions. “I want the truth to emerge,” Gonzalez said. “It’s entirely false to say they are in cages or being mistreated.”
He added, “It’s easy to focus on just the emotional aspects or whatever might be politically advantageous.”
Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) claimed he was denied access to the Dilley facility even after providing a day’s notice. Murphy expressed concern, saying, “This is astounding; it suggests they’re concealing something. If they restrict access to Congress members without ample warning, it highlights how much they’re trying to keep hidden.”
Murphy recounted meeting two families who had been detained for over a month, expressing that their children were “terrified” by their situation.
Gonzalez pointed out that he often visits ICE detention centers in his district and has guided numerous legislative colleagues through these facilities. However, he mentioned that no Democratic officials toured the centers during President Joe Biden’s administration.
Moreover, he acknowledged that facilities in his district faced space limitations during that time.
Gonzalez declared, “This is why I maintain that Democrats are complicit now—they weren’t present in my facility when Biden was in office.”
