The tragic death of an undocumented Honduran woman in Texas has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment and care of migrants in custody.
Arrested near Eagle Pass and diagnosed with pneumonia, her story took a fatal turn following a head injury at a hospital. This incident highlights critical issues within the immigration and healthcare systems.
Arrest and Initial Detention
On March 16, 2024, around 5:23 a.m., a Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) trooper encountered and arrested an undocumented female migrant, a Honduran citizen, near the Travis D. Kelly Hydroelectric Water Plant, approximately 8.75 miles northwest of Eagle Pass, Texas.
Shortly thereafter, she was transported to the Val Verde Processing Center (VVPC) in Del Rio, Texas.
Health Concerns and Processing
At the VVPC, the woman informed intake staff of a prior suicide attempt and current breathing difficulties. Emergency medical services (EMS) were summoned, and an on-site emergency medical technician (EMT) assessed her condition.
Despite her complaints, she was initially cleared and placed under direct observation.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Assessment
By 4:02 p.m., she appeared before a Maverick County magistrate and faced charges of criminal trespassing. Notably, the magistrate recognized potential mental health issues and ordered the provision of relevant services.
Her journey through the legal system led her to Lopez State Jail in Edinburg, Texas, on March 17, 2024.
Transfer and Medical Emergencies
After being released from Lopez State Jail on March 26, 2024, she was transferred to the Jim Hogg Temporary Processing Center (JHPC). The center informed U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) personnel about her release and pre-existing heart condition.
Later that evening, Border Patrol agents took custody and transported her to Hebbronville Station.
Hospitalization and Diagnosis
During intake at Hebbronville Station, CBP contract medical staff identified severe health issues, including low oxygen levels, a persistent cough, possible pneumonia, and congestive heart failure.
Skyline EMS transported her to Laredo Medical Center (LMC) for advanced care. The following day, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted for treatment.
Release and Subsequent Injury
On March 28, 2024, she was served with a Notice to Appear/Order of Release from CBP custody while still hospitalized. On March 30, 2024, she suffered a fall at LMC, resulting in a subdural hematoma (SDH).
Despite monitoring and medical intervention, her condition deteriorated, leading to intubation on April 1, 2024. She was transferred to Brooks Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas, for advanced care.
Tragic Death and Investigation
Tragically, on April 3, 2024, at 3:07 p.m., she passed away at BAMC. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office (BCMEO) performed an autopsy on April 6, 2024, but the cause of death remains pending.
The BCMEO and CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) are investigating the incident, with CBP OPR reviewing medical documentation and statements from involved personnel.
Timeline of Events
Date and Time |
Event Description |
|---|---|
| March 16, 2024, 5:23 a.m. | Arrested by TXDPS near Eagle Pass, Texas. |
| March 16, 2024, 6:38 a.m. | Transported to Val Verde Processing Center (VVPC). |
| March 16, 2024, 7:50 a.m. | Reported prior suicide attempt; EMS requested for breathing difficulties. |
| March 16, 2024, 4:02 p.m. | Appeared before magistrate; charged and ordered mental health services. |
| March 17, 2024, 6:00 a.m. | Transferred to Lopez State Jail, Edinburg, Texas. |
| March 26, 2024, 5:00 p.m. | Released and transferred to Jim Hogg Temporary Processing Center (JHPC). |
| March 26, 2024, 6:54 p.m. | JHPC informed USBP of her release. |
| March 26, 2024, 8:15 p.m. | Medical assessment identified severe health issues. |
| March 26, 2024, 8:45 p.m. | Transported to Laredo Medical Center (LMC). |
| March 27, 2024, 9:10 a.m. | Diagnosed with pneumonia at LMC. |
| March 28, 2024, 4:32 p.m. | Released from CBP custody; remained in the hospital. |
| March 30, 2024, 11:00 p.m. | Suffered a fall at LMC, resulting in a subdural hematoma (SDH). |
| April 1, 2024 | Condition worsened; transferred to Brooks Army Medical Center (BAMC). |
| April 3, 2024, 3:07 p.m. | Passed away at BAMC. |
| April 6, 2024 | Autopsy performed; cause of death pending. |
Broader Implications and Concerns
This incident underscores pressing issues within the immigration and healthcare systems. It highlights the need for better medical and mental health care for detained migrants. The case also raises questions about the protocols and procedures followed during detention and medical care transitions.
For many American, this story may resonate with ongoing discussions about immigration policies and human rights.
The Final Word
The death of this undocumented Honduran woman is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by migrants in custody. It calls for an urgent review of the systems in place to protect their health and rights.
As investigations continue, it is crucial to address the systemic flaws to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Sources: THX News & US Customs and Border Protection.
