Children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel has a new cause: Freeing kids from ICE detention

Children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel has a new cause: Freeing kids from ICE detention

A boy’s voice in a low-quality video transmission conveyed clear distress. “I don’t want to be here anymore,” he said. “Nothing is good here.” Since March, 9-year-old Deiver Henao Jimenez had been confined with his parents at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas, where young detainees have raised concerns about inadequate education, constant lighting, and questionable food quality. The encounter came during a virtual session with someone who claimed to be a supporter: Ms. Rachel. Dressed in her trademark pink headband, the beloved children’s entertainer leaned in, attempting to console the boy. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” she replied, her warm, melodic tone recognized by countless children and parents. “Many people are eager to assist.” Deiver shared his longing for friends and mentioned the discomfort caused by the food at Dilley. Yet, what troubled him most was the postponement of his upcoming spelling bee, which he had previously won and was set to compete in New Mexico’s state finals in May. “I want to leave and go to the spelling bee,” he stated. Ms. Rachel sought to ease his worries. “You have a genuine talent for spelling. You’re very bright,” she comforted. Her expression shifted. “It was incredibly surreal to see this innocent little face and feel as though I was speaking with someone in custody,” Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, told NBC News in an exclusive interview this week. “It affected me deeply, and it was something I never imagined facing.”

Accurso first encountered Dilley in January, after federal immigration officers detained the father of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos in Minneapolis and transported them to the facility. A snapshot of the child—wearing a blue bunny hat and a Spider-Man backpack—gained widespread attention online, highlighting the center’s conditions and the challenges faced by families in detention. Though they were eventually released, the family’s asylum request was recently denied. During the first year of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement, over 2,300 children were detained with their parents, with the vast majority staying at Dilley, according to data from court-appointed observers. Many spent weeks or months in the center, enduring conditions that have drawn criticism from advocates and legal professionals.

Following her video call with Deiver and another child at Dilley, Accurso revealed her intention to collaborate with attorneys and immigration advocates to “close Dilley and ensure children and their parents return to their communities.” Parents and legal experts have reported instances of children losing weight after discovering worms in their meals, becoming anxious due to frequent patrols, and waiting for extended periods for basic medical treatments. Some have even experienced health crises while in custody. As of this week, the New York Times noted that approximately 50 children remain at Dilley, down from around 500 in January. This drop coincides with sustained pressure from human rights organizations, Democratic lawmakers, and immigration lawyers.

“It broke me, and it was something I never thought I’d encounter in life.”

Accurso’s growing involvement in advocacy extends beyond Dilley. She has highlighted the struggles of children in war zones such as Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising substantial funds while facing criticism for perceived biases in global conflicts. Her approach has been consistent: “I view all children as equally precious,” she asserted. The video call with Deiver and others at Dilley marked a turning point in her efforts, shifting her focus to local issues. The Department of Homeland Security, however, has contested these accounts, labeling them as “mainstream media lies.” The agency insists Dilley is a “purpose-built” facility offering full care for families. Despite this, Accurso’s experience has deepened her resolve to challenge the system.