An eight-year-old girl has tragically died while in the custody of the US Border Patrol in Texas. The young girl and her family were being detained in the Border Patrol station in Harlingen, which is located near the Mexican border, when the girl suffered a “medical emergency.” She was immediately transported to a hospital but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead soon after. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed the child’s death, which marks the first of a migrant child in Border Patrol custody since 2019. The nature of the girl’s medical emergency was not detailed in the CBP statement. Her death comes just days after a 17-year-old Honduran boy died while in the custody of the US Health and Human Services Department, intensifying concerns about the treatment of immigrants at the border.
The US Customs and Border Protection has not provided any information regarding the girl’s nationality or the specific details of the incident. CBP officials have, however, stated that the agency’s internal affairs office will investigate the matter. The Homeland Security Department and Harlingen police have also been notified to conduct their own inquiries. No information about the girl’s family has been released either.
The girl’s death has come amid a rise in the number of individuals being held by the Border Patrol. As per May 10th, the number has increased to 28,717 people. The day before the pandemic-related restrictions, which affected asylum seekers, came to an end. On Sunday, the number had fallen to 22,259, which is still noticeably high. The average time spent in custody is now 77 hours. The incident is also notable because it’s the first of a migrant child in Border Patrol custody since 2019.
Reports reveal how facilities on the US-Mexico border are becoming increasingly overcrowded. Since Title 42, which was implemented due to the pandemic, came to an end, there have been a large number of arrivals at the border; more than facilities can accommodate. Title 42 allowed authorities to expel migrants more easily, but now enforcement is tighter, which has resulted in people being held in cramped and severely under-resourced facilities for prolonged periods. As a result, there are growing concerns about human rights violations in these facilities and the treatment being afforded to immigrants.
As of yet, there have been no confirmed details regarding the cause of the girl’s medical emergency; neither have her name or nationality been released. The US Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Department will no doubt face more pressure to investigate this tragic and preventable incident. It is important to ensure that children and migrants are treated humanely and with respect. The international community must continue to advocate for the rights of migrants and put pressure on governments to implement more humane policies.
In conclusion, the death of the eight-year-old girl in the US Border Patrol custody is a heart-wrenching tragedy. It highlights the urgent need for reforms and improvements to the system to safeguard the welfare and rights of migrants arriving at the southern border. Moreover, it indicates the essential role of media in highlighting these issues, raising public awareness, and pressing governments to take action. The message is clear; we need more action, more humanity, and more accountability to prevent further suffering and tragedies.
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