Illegal immigrant detained by Border Patrol dies in Texas hospital – Washington Examiner

An illegal immigrant died in Texas over the weekend after being detained by Border Patrol agents — the fourth known case since December.

The 40-year-old Mexican man, who has not been identified, was apprehended by border officials on March 17. He was diagnosed with flu-like symptoms, liver failure, and renal failure after he was taken to Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, that same day. He died the following day.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and his loved ones. CBP remains committed to ensuring the safe, humane and dignified treatment of those within the care of our custody. Consistent with CBP policy, CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility has initiated a review,” said a statement released by Customs and Border Patrol spokesman Andrew Meehan.

“The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General and the Government of Mexico has been notified. At this time, CBP is not releasing the identity of the individual,” he added. “CBP will release more details as available and appropriate, and will ensure an independent and thorough review of the circumstances.”

[Also read: Supreme Court sides with Trump on detention of immigrants]

There have been at least three other instances since December in which a detainee has died after being taken into Border Patrol custody. Just last month, another man died at a hospital in Texas after he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and congestive heart failure.

The deaths of migrant detainees has become a hotly contested topic within the immigration battle in Congress. Democrats have pointed to the issue to support a push for reshaping illegal immigrant processing by border officials as part of a larger comprehensive immigration reform and defunding portions of the border security apparatus, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Republicans have argued against blaming border officials for the deaths, saying the individuals involved in the cases were already attempting to enter the U.S. with severe illnesses. They have countered with proposed reforms that increase the amount of immigration courts and makes the immigrant processing mechanism more efficient.