HOUSTON (AP) – The U.S. government did not release 100 immigrant children detained with their parents despite this week’s deadline set by a judge who had described family detention centers as “on fire” due to the threat of the coronavirus.
Instead, more parents and children were held in the three centers this month than last month, according to government data. Immigration authorities in July have brought into the centers dozens of parents and children, at least 40 of whom have since tested positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, according to lawyers who work with detained families, there had been rumors circulating that many or all families would be released by Monday.
At the detention center in Dilley, Texas, a 3-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy will soon reach a full year in custody with their parents.
“Our families have had a lot of practice in having their hopes lifted and then crushed,” said Shalyn Fluharty, director of Proyecto Dilley, which represents families at the center.