A 40-year-old Mexican migrant died in custody of the US Customs and Border Protection on Monday, the fourth known person to die in its custody in recent months.
The man died at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, after being apprehended by CBP agents for illegal re-entry early Sunday morning, according to a CBP news release.
Hours after being apprehended, the unnamed man was evaluated by medical personnel at the Border Patrol’s processing facility near Paso Del Norte Port of Entry.
CBP said the man was transported to the medical center after being diagnosed with flu-like symptoms, liver failure and renal failure. He died later that day.
“CBP remains committed to ensuring the safe, humane and dignified treatment of those within the care of our custody,” said Andrew Meehan, the assistant commissioner for public affairs at the CBP, in a statement.
“Consistent with CBP policy, CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility has initiated a review. The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General and the Government of Mexico has been notified. At this time, CBP is not releasing the identity of the individual. CBP will release more details as available and appropriate, and will ensure an independent and thorough review of the circumstances.”
Buzzfeed News first reported the man’s death.
In February, a 45-year-old Mexican man died in CBP custody after being apprehended by border patrol agents in the Rio Grand Valley. He died after being transferred to a hospital.
Before that, two Guatemalan children died in CBP custody. On Christmas Eve last year, 8-year-old Felipe Gómez Alonzo died after he was taken to a hospital, released, then returned to the hospital. On December 8, Jakelin Caal Maquin, 7, died in a hospital two days after she was taken to a Border Patrol station.