U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva from Arizona posted a video on X calling out CoreCivic, the for-profit company running a detention center in Dilley, Texas.
She says the company is getting about $15 million a month in taxpayer money to hold children and families there. The clip, shot during her visit to the facility, has sparked a lot of heated reactions online.
The video shows Rep. Grijalva standing outside the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas. She says the facility can hold up to 2,400 people, but only has about 400 right now.
According to her, CoreCivic is getting roughly $15 million a month in taxpayer money, and she heard heartbreaking stories from detained mothers about family separations. She calls the whole thing inhumane and immoral.
The video does not show the interior of the facility or interactions with detainees. It focuses on Grijalva speaking directly to the camera about the visit and her concerns.
Public Reactions to Arizona Rep’s Dilley Video
Supporters praised Grijalva for highlighting the issue. One commenter wrote: “@Rep_Grijalva, thank you for not staying silent in the face of this injustice. Separating families and profiting from the suffering of children is unacceptable. We will keep supporting those who defend human dignity and rights.”
Others pushed back, arguing that the situation is the result of personal choices. One reply said: “Why? Children held if & only if parents: 1. Opted to bring kids with them 2. Declined $2k & free flight back home.” Another added: “Hey Dumb [expletive], They Could Have Received $2600 To Self Deport!!!”
Several commenters focused on enforcement and the rule of law. One stated: “Nobody cares if you’re a mother of three. If you were here illegally, then adios… Your son’s story doesn’t trump the rule of law.”
Another wrote: “They’re holding them because you people want what you perceive to be due process. If they are here illegally, immediate deportation would be much and cost less.”
The X post is still being shared, further feeding the national discussion and controversy over the role of private companies and public money in immigration detention.
