WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that a seven-year-old girl from Guatemala died in their custody from shock and dehydration after apprehension by Border Patrol while crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. In response, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva issued the following statement:

“My heart breaks for the loss of an innocent child who underwent a harrowing journey to seek safety in the United States, only to be met with cruelty, pain, and death. Her death, and similar situationslike the death of Roxsana Hernandez in ICE custody, raise serious questions about whether or not DHS is providing those in their custody with humane treatment and even basic safety.

“CBP and ICE continue to operate with a startlingly low level of transparency and accountability, and that must change. I demand a thorough, independent investigation into the death of this young girl, and that those responsible face the full consequences. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security should immediately instruct Border Patrol officers to cease any interference with humanitarian organizations providing migrants with food, water, and medical attention.

“This horrific situation must be a wake-up call to all elected officials. Instead of wasting time, money and energy on a useless border wall, we must work now to enact comprehensive immigration reform that puts families and children first.”

### 

Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva:

Newsletter – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Website