Tragic Death of 8-Year-Old Girl in Border Patrol Custody Raises Concerns

The unfortunate death of an 8-year-old girl in Border Patrol custody has sparked controversy and questions regarding the handling of the situation. This slideshow examines the events leading to her death and the subsequent actions taken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Table of Contents show

Medical Attention for Anadith on the Day of Her Death

Anadith, the 8-year-old girl, received medical attention at least three times on the day she died, with complaints of vomiting, a stomachache, and later, a seizure. However, she was not immediately taken to the hospital by the Border Patrol agents.

Pleas Ignored by Border Patrol

The girl’s mother claimed that she had pleaded with the agents to hospitalize her daughter, who had pre-existing heart problems and sickle cell anemia. However, her pleas were allegedly ignored.

Knowledge of Medical History

U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that they were aware of the girl’s medical history when she was being treated for influenza four days before her death. Her medical condition should have been taken into consideration during her care.

Steps Taken by CBP

CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller has ordered several measures to be taken, including reviewing the cases of medically fragile individuals in custody and examining medical-care practices at CBP facilities, to ensure appropriate care for such individuals.

Ensuring Minimal Time in Custody

Miller emphasized the importance of minimizing the time medically fragile individuals spend in CBP custody and ensuring they receive the best possible care. The agency acknowledges the need for improvement in this regard.

CBP Deeply Saddened by the Tragedy

CBP expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of Anadith and acknowledged the need for proper care of medically fragile individuals. The agency is awaiting the results of an internal investigation.

You might also like: Major Revelations Come To Light About Hunter Biden’s Child Support Lawsuit

Questioning Border Patrol’s Handling

Anadith’s death has raised concerns regarding the Border Patrol’s handling of the situation, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Second Child Migrant Death

Anadith’s death occurred just two weeks after another child migrant, a 17-year-old Honduran boy, died in U.S. Health and Human Services Department custody. The incidents have raised alarm about the conditions within government holding facilities.

Initial Complaints of Abdominal Pain

On May 14, Anadith first complained of abdominal pain, nasal congestion, and cough. She had a fever of 101.8 degrees Fahrenheit (38.7 Celsius).

Treatment for Influenza

After testing positive for influenza, Anadith was given acetaminophen, ibuprofen, nausea medicine, and Tamiflu—a flu treatment—according to CBP.

Transfer to Harlingen

The family was transferred from a facility in Donna, Texas, to a facility in Harlingen, Texas, while Anadith’s health deteriorated.

Worsening Health and Denied Requests

According to the girl’s mother, Anadith’s health continued to worsen during their time at the facility, and the mother’s repeated requests for an ambulance were denied.

Multiple Visits to the Medical Unit

On May 17, Anadith and her mother visited the Harlingen Border Patrol Station’s medical unit three times. Anadith complained of vomiting during the first visit and a stomachache during the second.

Seizure and Unresponsiveness

On the third visit at 1:55 p.m., the girl appeared to be having a seizure, and records indicate that she became unresponsive. Medical personnel performed CPR before transporting her to a hospital in Harlingen.

Pending Cause of Death

A medical examiner is awaiting additional tests to determine the cause of Anadith’s death, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing.

Seeking Accountability and Improved Care

The death of Anadith and the recent incidents involving child migrants highlight the urgent need for accountability and improved care within U.S. government custody. It is crucial to ensure the well-being and proper treatment of vulnerable individuals in these circumstances.

Basil Neal