(dpa/TBI Africa.com) A 16-year-old Guatemalan died on Monday at a border patrol station in Texas, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.
U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended the youth for illegally entering the U.S. on May 13 near Hidalgo, Texas, the CBP said in a statement.
The teenager, who was not identified by name, was found unresponsive during a welfare check on Monday morning, the statement said.
The cause of death is unknown, but a review has been initiated by the CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
He had been transferred Sunday from a central processing centre to the Weslaco Border Patrol Station and was awaiting placement with Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement, CBP said.
“The men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are saddened by the tragic loss of this young man and our condolences are with his family,” the statement said.
“CBP is committed to the health, safety and humane treatment of those in our custody.”
The deaths of two young Guatemalans in December prompted congressional hearings about treatment of youths caught at the border.
The CBP and the Department of Homeland Security announced new procedures at the time.
