Children’s Educator Ms. Rachel Criticizes Migrant Detention Practices

Children’s educator Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, is drawing national attention after speaking out against the detention of migrant children in the United States.

In March 2026, Accurso shifted from her usual educational videos to advocacy, focusing on the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. The change came after she saw a viral video of a 9-year-old boy, Deiver Henao Jimenez, who is being held at the facility. In the video, the child asked to be released so he could attend his school’s spelling bee, saying he did not want to be there anymore.

Accurso later spoke with the boy in a video call and shared her reaction with her audience and in an interview with NBC News. She said the situation deeply affected her and pushed her to speak out.

Responding to criticism that she should avoid politics, Accurso defended her stance. She said that believing all children deserve care and equal treatment is not something she sees as separate from her work.

She has also highlighted reported conditions inside the Dilley facility, including claims of poor-quality food, limited access to education, and constant lighting that makes it difficult for children to sleep.

Since her advocacy began, reports suggest the number of families held at the center has dropped sharply—from more than 900 in January to around 100 by mid-March.

Following the attention, the Department of Homeland Security announced new restrictions on video calls in shared areas of the facility. Officials said the move was to prevent the unauthorized sharing of information.

Accurso’s activism is part of a broader effort. She has raised more than $1 million for children affected by conflicts in places like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, and has donated another $1 million to the World Food Program.

Her comments and actions have sparked a wider debate about the role of public figures in political issues, especially those involving children.