An Indian family of four, consisting of parents and two children, has spent nearly 90 days at the Dilley detention center in Texas, with their future looking bleak and their health deteriorating. They were arrested in February during a routine check-in appointment and placed in the controversial center, which reopened after the Donald Trump administration resumed family detentions last year.
YouTuber Ms Rachel's Advocacy
YouTuber Ms Rachel, who has been advocating for the closure of the ICE detention center, visited Dilley and met the Indian family. She wrote, "I never thought I'd be advocating to get families out of prison. It was an honor to meet with this hardworking, kind family. Please free them. Guri is not getting proper care for bleeding when he goes to the bathroom, which is dangerous medical neglect."
Health Issues of the Children
Guri, the 12-year-old boy, has been experiencing blood in his stools. This condition started before his detention, but he did not receive any treatment after the entire family was picked up and held in family prison. His sister, 11-year-old Manpreet, has been vomiting frequently because the tap water is hurting her stomach. Ms Rachel noted, "Both children were so kind, but you could tell they are depressed."
Mother's Health Deterioration
The mother's health is deteriorating due to lack of proper medications and treatment for her diabetes and arthritis. Ms Rachel wrote, "Manpreet and Guri are so caring and so worried about their mom, taking care of her as it's difficult for her to move around due to the pain. Both children are unable to sleep properly at night because the lights are on 24/7."
Father's Struggle
Jagdish, the father, was working hard at 7-11 and Uber to make ends meet. He broke down into tears several times. Ms Rachel added, "It was an honor to meet with their hardworking, kind family. It was devastating to see them all deteriorating from family detention, which is like prison."
Background of the Family
Jagdish came to the US in 2022 seeking asylum. According to reports, he cited persistent threats and violence in his community in Punjab, India, as he had converted from Sikhism to Catholicism. The family settled in central Los Angeles, near Jagdish's brother's family.
Dietary Restrictions
Gurwinder and the kids practice Sikh-Hinduism and are supposed to eat vegetarian on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but there are no vegetarian options at the detention center. So on those days, they don't eat anything.
Jagdish earlier said in a Guardian interview, "I worry I came here to save myself, and I ended up ruining three lives."
