Amir
Synopsis
Amir was about 1 year old when his parents Alsu and Azat fled Russia fearing imprisonment and that Amir could be placed in an orphanage because of their opposition to the war in Ukraine, according to The Marshall Project. The family presented themselves at a legal port of entry after crossing the southern border without visas, expecting only a few weeks in immigration custody. Instead they spent four months detained, first in California and then at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas. At Dilley, Amir's parents said their once-lively son withdrew and began hitting himself in the face. The facility had few toys; some children played with rocks. His speech development slowed, and he eventually stopped saying anything beyond "mom" and "dad." His parents could not find books in Russian to read with him. His mother said staff forced her to wean Amir off formula, claiming he was too old, while solid food options were inappropriate for a 1-year-old. She described sucking spicy pasta sauce off noodles so she could feed them to her son, and hiding cereal from the dining hall in socks and hoods so he would not go to sleep hungry. After the parents complained about food, his father alleged that CoreCivic employees woke him at night threatening to separate the family and place Amir in foster care if they did not stop. Amir suffered fevers and stomach problems at Dilley, his parents said, and they struggled to get adequate treatment. ICE released Amir and his parents under supervision in January. Now about 2, he is laughing and speaking more and has stopped hitting himself, his parents told reporters—though advocates warn the long-term effects of infant detention may be incalculable.
Key takeaways
From court records, news reporting, and linked sources below.
- Amir's family fled Russia and presented themselves at a legal port of entry; they were held four months, first in California and then at Dilley (The Marshall Project).
- At Dilley, Amir withdrew, began hitting himself, and his speech slowed until he said only "mom" and "dad."
- His mother said staff forced her to wean him off formula while solid food was inappropriate; parents hid cereal to feed him later.
- After food complaints, his father alleged CoreCivic staff threatened nighttime separation and foster care for Amir.
- Amir suffered fevers and stomach problems; parents said they struggled to get adequate medical care.
- ICE released the family under supervision in January; Amir, now about 2, is speaking more and has stopped hitting himself.
- Pediatric experts cited in the story warn that toxic stress during infancy can cause lasting developmental harm.
Reference links
Related
Detention facility
Dilley Immigration Processing Center→