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DHS Accused of Causing Public Health Crisis at Border

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. d-of-causing-public-health-crisis-at-border.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 11:53 GMT by Time
      Locales: UNITED STATES, MEXICO

El Paso, Texas - January 31st, 2026 - A growing chorus of advocates, medical professionals, and public health experts are directly accusing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of actively causing a burgeoning public health crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border. These concerns stem from policies they argue deliberately restrict access to vital healthcare, force asylum seekers into increasingly perilous crossing attempts, and foster dangerously overcrowded conditions within border facilities. The situation has reached a critical point, straining local resources in border communities and raising fears of widespread, preventable disease outbreaks.

Over the past several months, and intensifying in recent weeks, reports of communicable diseases within detention centers and across border towns have become increasingly frequent. While temporary spikes in illness are not unusual during periods of increased migration, experts argue the current situation isn't simply a consequence of increased numbers, but rather a direct result of systemic policies. The December measles outbreak at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in McAllen, Texas - infecting dozens of migrants - served as a stark and alarming illustration of this vulnerability.

"The pattern is undeniable," states Dr. Amy Starkweather, a pediatrician with over a decade of experience providing care for migrant children in El Paso. "When you confine individuals, often families with young children, in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, and then severely limit their access to basic medical attention, you are creating a breeding ground for disease. We're seeing cases of respiratory illnesses, skin infections, gastrointestinal problems - things that are easily treatable with proper care, but rapidly escalate into serious health risks when ignored." Dr. Starkweather notes that the lack of preventative care, such as vaccinations, exacerbates the issue, putting not only migrants but also border communities at risk.

Aaron Reichle, Managing Director of the American Immigration Law Foundation, is even more direct in his assessment. "DHS isn't just failing to address the health needs of migrants; they are actively constructing a system that guarantees a public health disaster. The 'deterrence by harm' strategy - deliberately restricting access to aid and forcing people towards more dangerous routes - isn't working as intended to reduce crossings. It's simply pushing people into more desperate situations where they are more vulnerable to illness and exploitation." Reichle points to specific policies, including limitations on medical screenings, inadequate sanitation facilities within holding centers, and the deliberate placement of facilities far from readily available medical support, as evidence of this intentionality.

The Biden administration has faced sustained criticism regarding its handling of the situation at the border. While officials have publicly stated a commitment to both border security and humane treatment of migrants, advocates argue that the current policies prioritize enforcement over public health and human rights. They are demanding a fundamental shift in approach, prioritizing healthcare access, improved sanitation, and more humane conditions within detention facilities.

"We need a system that recognizes the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their immigration status," argues Isabella Rodriguez, a legal advocate working with asylum seekers in Tucson, Arizona. "Treating people like disposable units doesn't just violate their rights; it creates a public health hazard for everyone. Investment in comprehensive healthcare infrastructure along the border is not just a moral imperative, it's a matter of public safety."

The debate has become increasingly politicized. Republicans continue to accuse the administration of deliberately weakening border security, claiming that lax policies are encouraging increased migration. However, advocates counter that the policies under scrutiny predate the current administration and represent a long-standing approach to border control. The core issue, they argue, is not simply how many people are crossing the border, but how they are being treated once they arrive.

Despite numerous requests for comment, the DHS has remained largely silent on these accusations. This lack of transparency further fuels the concerns of advocates and medical professionals. With the number of migrant arrivals continuing to fluctuate, and the potential for further disease outbreaks looming large, the need for a comprehensive and humane solution is becoming increasingly urgent. Failure to address these critical issues, experts warn, will not only have devastating consequences for the health and well-being of migrants but will also pose a significant threat to the public health of communities along the border and beyond. The ongoing silence from DHS is only intensifying calls for an independent investigation into the agency's policies and their impact on public health.