Representative Maxine Dexter has raised serious questions about the treatment of pregnant unaccompanied minors at a Texas immigration facility. The Democratic congresswoman from Oregon, a former critical care physician, visited the San Benito facility in late April but was blocked from speaking with any children. She has since demanded answers regarding medical care, the whereabouts of the girls and their infants, and the facility's operations.
Concerns Over Medical Care and Abortion Access
Dexter expressed concerns about whether pregnant minors, some as young as 13, receive appropriate medical care for high-risk pregnancies, especially given Texas's abortion ban. She questioned the availability of OB-GYNs and basic equipment like glucometers and Dopplers. The facility previously halted detentions in 2024 due to insufficient healthcare access, but officials claim improvements have been made.
Disappearing Children and Deportation of US Citizen Infants
Questions also surround the number of children at the facility. Dexter noted discrepancies between official counts and attorney reports, with numbers dropping from 17 to 7. Former ORR official Jonathan White suspects girls may be moved to their home countries, effectively deporting their US citizen infants, potentially enforcing a de facto birthright citizenship ban.
Detainees across the US have reported poor conditions, including lack of nutritious food, medical care, and ventilation. Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed outside an ICE facility during a hunger strike protest. Health inspectors were denied full access to a New Jersey facility.
Dexter continues to seek transparency, noting that state oversight was rescinded by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, leaving ORR to oversee itself. She remains concerned about coercion and intimidation of witnesses.
