News broke this week that Juan Nicolás, the two-month-old detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the detention center in Dilley, Texas, was hospitalized over an episode of bronchitis that at one point rendered him "unresponsive."
Dilley has become infamous as a facility that warehouses large numbers of children, and is a focal point of anti-deportation protests in Texas.
The announcement came from Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), who represents the San Antonio area not too far from the facility.
"Juan’s mom went in front of an immigration judge this morning. She was told she will be deported, but was not told when or where. Both Juan and his mom are back at Dilley and their future remains uncertain," wrote Castro in an update on Tuesday afternoon. "We are all deeply concerned that Juan and his mom will be deported and that Juan’s health will continue to deteriorate. His life is in danger because of ICE’s monstrous cruelty. I will continue to provide updates and we will keep fighting to protect them."
Lawmakers and commentators alike were horrified by the story.
"Horrific situation for this baby and his family," wrote independent foreign policy reporter Laura Rozen.
"An innocent two month old should never have been detained in the first place," wrote Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). "Now that he’s been hospitalized with bronchitis, it’s even more cruel to return him to captivity."
"ICE detention centers are inhumane and deadly," wrote Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL). "Detention is a cruelty no one should endure - especially children and babies. We must end immigration detention and ensure the release of Juan Nicolás, Steven, and every single person held in the camps. Let's pass my Melt ICE Act now!"
