Golly, I wonder why there are soooo many illegals in detention in Texas.
Couldn't be because they are transferred there from other states, could it?
Yes, as of early 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been transferring undocumented individuals, including asylum seekers and refugees detained in other states, to Texas detention facilities before they are deported.
- Transfers from Other States: Reports indicate that detainees from states as far as Minnesota have been flown to Texas, specifically to facilities in El Paso and Houston, to face expedited removal, with some transfers occurring within hours of being detained.
- Purpose of Transfers: These, often called "shuffle flights," are used to move individuals to specialized, high-capacity detention hubs in Texas before removal.
- Shift to Rapid Deportation: The transfers are part of an effort to speed up deportations, often pressuring individuals to sign "voluntary departure" forms, reducing their access to legal counsel.
Why are refugees being transferred from Minnesota (that's the state, not the city) to Texas?