The South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, has come under scrutiny as families, attorneys, and lawmakers allege that children are being held in poor conditions. Former detainees, including 17-year-old Joel Andre from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reported issues such as inadequate food quality, limited access to clean drinking water, and constant lighting disrupting sleep. Joel's family, who fled persecution, faced separation during their detention, with his sister Olivia remaining in the facility for over five months. Representative Joaquin Castro has been a vocal critic, asserting that children are treated like criminals despite their innocence. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CoreCivic, which operates the center, refuted these claims, insisting that detainees receive proper care and educational opportunities. Despite these assurances, advocates call for greater transparency and public awareness regarding conditions in family detention centers. The emotional reunion of Joel's family after Olivia's release underscores the ongoing debate about the treatment of migrant families and the proposed expansion of family detention beds in the upcoming budget.