A young migrant in U.S. custody tragically passed away on Friday.
The HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Division of Health for Unaccompanied Children (DHUC) is undertaking a complete evaluation of the case, which includes a thorough study of the child’s medical records, as is the usual procedure. In addition, a medical examiner’s office is looking into the matter.
Jacqui Heinrich, a reporter with Fox News, broke the story on Twitter:
🚨Confirmed: A migrant child has died in U.S. custody.
“The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our heart goes out to the family, with whom we are in touch. As is standard practice for any situation involving the death of an unaccompanied child or a serious health outcome, HHS’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Division of Health for Unaccompanied Children (DHUC) is reviewing all clinical details of this case, including all inpatient health care records. A medical examiner investigation is underway. Due to privacy and safety reasons, ORR cannot share further information on individual cases of children who have been in our care. While in ORR care, children have access to health care, legal services, translation services, and mental and behavioral health counselors and are able to connect with family through a phone call in a private area at a minimum of twice a week. A list of services and requirements can be found at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-3#3.1.”
The death of the migrant youngster comes as authorities brace for an expected increase in arrivals at the border after the expiration of Title 42 limitations enacted during the epidemic.
“This terrible fact underscores the importance of working together on the bilateral migration agenda on the situation of unaccompanied minors, to find solutions, an issue that has been addressed by the President [Xiomara Castro] at various levels with the US,” Reina said.
The numbers of minors currently in HHS and DHS care were made public on Friday afternoon.
According to a press statement issued on May 11, CBP has taken custody of 299 unaccompanied minors. However, the Mexican government has said that the majority of these minors would be returned to their country and will not remain in CBP custody.
In addition, there were 8,672 kids in HHS custody, according to the report.
