Migrant Man Dies in CBP Custody, 4th Since December

A Mexican migrant reportedly died while in the custody of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is the fourth such death since December of last year. 

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The 40-year-old man was taken into custody Sunday morning after he was apprehended for illegal re-entry into the United States, near the Bridge of the Americas. The man's identity has not yet been released, although the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General and Mexico's government have been notified.

Tuesday's report stated that the man was given a medical evaluation at the CBP processing center in El Paso, Texas, before being transferred to the medical center. He received treatment for flu-like symptoms, liver failure and kidney failure at Las Palmas Medical Center, but died shortly after. 

Earlier this month, Border Patrol Commissioner Kevin McAleenan warned that the immigration system "is well beyond capacity and remains at the breaking point," while the center's assistant commissioner for public affairs, Andrew Meehan, said the facility "remains committed to ensuring the safe, humane and dignified treatment of those within the care of our custody."

Among the four migrants who have died in CBP custody are a 45-year-old man, an 8-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl.

ACLU Border Rights Center Director Astrid Dominguez said, in a statement, that "a transparent and independent investigation into the conditions at CBP detention facilities and its medical care practices is needed immediately."

Regarding this specific case, Meehan says the "CBP will release more details as they become available and are deemed appropriate and will ensure an independent and thorough review of the circumstances."