We’re constantly hearing and seeing stories of families being taken by ICE and DHS, then tossed into detention facilities to experience inhumane conditions. It turns out not even the basic need of brushing your teeth is being met in the Dilley Detention Center in Texas. But thanks to a couple of podcasters and their viewers, that’s about to change.
Captioned “No toothbrushes at Dilley,” TikTok user Meredithmlynch, Meredith shared the depressing news of women and children being unable to brush their teeth. Feds decided against providing families with proper toothbrushes, making claims they could use them as “weapons.”
While toothbrushes can be bought there, as Meredith explains, it has to be done through the detention facility’s commissary. Other care items can be bought too, but there’s a problem: you need a commissary account, which most families don’t.
Now, people outside the facility can pitch in, but according to Meredith, that has its own problems due to the fees tacked on and your money going to “private equity” companies. In other words, you’ll be nickel-and-dimed just for trying to help someone.
Luckily, Meredith has good news: thanks to her viewers, they were able to raise $115,000 for families being held at the Dilley Detention Center. She and Rebecca Sananès host The Moment Live, a political live stream, where they were able to spread the word and reach out for help.
Furthermore, families were able to reach out to them, sharing their happiness and gratitude, one of whom wanted just a little bit of money to get her son a candy bar for his birthday. Meredith says people came together to make people’s day “a little bit easier” during these difficult times.
People Online Were Disgusted With ICE
Not only were people in the comments happy to know something was done to alleviate the family’s suffering, many were disgusted with the obviously inhumane treatment by ICE. In response, one commenter wrote, “The cruelty is the point.” Another viewer shared that it was a “humbling experience” when she came across the video while brushing her teeth.
Inspired by the goodwill of others, one viewer stated they were “going to donate now,” and thanked Meredith. Others commenters, who may not have the funds to donate, did their part by commenting to boost the video.
Given that Meredith helps host a political podcast, one TikTok user gave her props. “Incredible! Thank you for using your platform for this!” they wrote. Currently, the option to donate to the families in Dilley Detention Center is still open, linked in Meredith’s TikTok bio.
