CHC Chair and Members Statement on CBP Failing to Review Medical File of Child with Health Complications Prior to Death
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CHC Communications | Brian Garcia | brian.garcia3@mail.house.gov
Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. | Kelly O'Keeffe | kelly.okeeffe@mail.house.gov
Rep. Yadira Caraveo, M.D. | Kaylin Dines |kaylin.dines@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today,Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Nanette Barragán issued a joint statement alongside Representatives Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25)andYadira Caraveo, M.D. (CO-08)following a new report that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) failed to review the medical file of, Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, an 8-year-old girl who suffered from a chronic heart condition and a rare blood disorder. Anadith died in CBP’s custody on May 17, 2023, after struggling through health complications.
“My heart breaks for 8-year-old Anadith who passed away in Border Patrol’s custody,” said Chair Barragán. “I’m at a complete loss of words after learning that medical staff both declined to review her medical file and ignored multiple requests from Anadith’s mother to call for an ambulance or for her to be taken to the hospital. Anadith and her mother had multiple encounters with medical staff for fever, flu-like symptoms, and pain. Yet, she was not given the higher-level care that someone with severe health complications needs.”
“The United States has a duty to protect migrants -- especially children -- in its custody with appropriate and humane treatment. We won’t accept anything less,” added ChairBarragán. “I’m requesting a full report from CBP on corrective measures and disciplinary actions they plan to enforce to ensure no other family experiences this tragedy. I’m also calling for an immediate accounting of inoperable CCTV cameras in all migrant processing and holding facilities after learning the CCTV system was not working during the time Anadith was in custody.”
“I am heartbroken over the death of 8-year-old Anadith who passed away while in Border Patrol’s custody, and my heart goes out to her family,” said Dr. Ruiz. “Let me be clear: this should never have happened. I am deeply concerned by reports that Anadith who was a high risk child with a chronic and compromised heart condition and sickle cell disease, diagnosed with Influenza, experiencing high fever, vomiting and abdominal pain was unable to receive a higher and appropriate level of care despite her mother’s warnings and pleas. CBP must have and follow appropriate medical policies and protocols with trained health providers and readily available specialists on call for telephone consultations in order to prevent children and other vulnerable individuals from dying under their responsibility.
As an emergency physician trained in humanitarian aid and a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I will work with the Caucus to review any protocols for caring for vulnerable individuals, especially the very young, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses to ensure that medical personnel can assess for higher levels of consultation, as detailed in my bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act.”
“I am horrified by the reports of 8-year-old Anadith’s death in Border Patrol custody, especially after pleas from her mother for medical help,” said Rep. Caraveo. “As a pediatrician I am concerned at the lack of additional medical evaluation and treatment in a child with a history of congenital heart disease and sickle cell disease. Clear protocols should exist to ensure the safety and well being of children in detention, especially those with complicated and high risk medical histories. No matter where they present, children deserve appropriate medical attention and as a doctor devoted to the care of children for over a decade I am deeply saddened by a death that could very well have been prevented. There must be corrective measures and disciplinary actions to ensure no other families experience a similar tragedy.
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