A 17-year-old Honduran man died this week in the custody of US immigration authorities, US and Honduran officials said Friday, raising concerns about an overwhelmed system as President Joe Biden’s administration manages the end of the restrictions on asylum known as Title 42.
The teenager was identified as Ángel Eduardo Maradiaga Espinoza, Honduran Foreign Secretary Enrique Reina tweeted. Maradiaga was being held at a facility in Safety Harbor, Florida, Reina said.
The young man had crossed into the United States several weeks ago and died on Wednesday, said a US official familiar with the matter and who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to comment.
In Photos: Shelters in El Paso prepare for the final day of Title 42
Less than 24 hours from the end of Title 42, non-profit organizations and local government prepare their shelters for the possible massive arrival of migrants from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
At the moment, the causes of death or the circumstances of any medical problem related to him were not reported.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), responsible for the facility where Maradiaga was located, said in a statement that a review of medical care records and an investigation were underway. of the medical examiner.
In a statement, HHS said it “is deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our hearts go out to the family, with whom we remain in communication.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the news “devastating” and requested that all questions about the investigation be directed to HHS.
Asylum restrictions under Title 42 expired at the last minute Thursday and the Joe Biden administration announced new restrictions that went into effect Friday for border crossers.
Tens of thousands of people tried to cross the border from Mexico to the United States weeks before the cancellation of Title 42, through which the US authorities expelled many people, but granted waivers to others, including minors who crossed the border without accompanied by one of their parents.
The teen’s death is the first of a migrant teen in custody during the Biden administration. At least six migrant minors died in federal custody during the administration of former President Donald Trump.
HHS operates long-term facilities to hold children who have crossed the border without a parent until they can be placed with a sponsor.
HHS facilities usually have beds and other structures, and have teaching and other activities for minors, unlike Border Patrol stations and detention centers where detained migrants sometimes have to sleep on the floor of the cells.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channel Youtube and activate notifications, or follow us on social networks: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
