Texas News
U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigation finds multiple failings in the death of 8-year-old girl in federal custody
U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigation finds multiple failings in the death of 8-year-old girl in federal custody
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigation finds multiple
failings in the death of 8-year-old girl in federal custody
organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune's daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most
essential Texas news.
An internal investigation conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection found that contracted personnel working at a federal border station
in South Texas failed to contact doctors while an 8-year-old was having a medical emergency in May, according to a statement Thursday from the
federal agency.
The girl later died after medical professionals repeatedly denied the mother's request that her daughter be taken to a hospital.
The ongoing investigation found that medical personnel at Harlingen Station, where the girl and her family were in custody, failed to document
multiple encounters with the child and were not aware of her previously documented medical history.
CBP acting Commissioner Troy Miller said in a statement Thursday that the in-custody death was “deeply upsetting” and an “unacceptable
tragedy.”
“We can — and we will — do better to ensure this never happens again,” he said.
In an interview with the Associated Press, the girl's mother was identified as Mabel Alvarez Benedicks of Honduras. She and her
husband crossed the border into Brownsville with their three children, ages 8, 12 and 14, on May 9, more than a week before their youngest child
died.
According to the investigation — which was conducted through interviews with contracted personnel and Border Patrol agents — personnel said
they did not know the girl's complicated medical history. However, CBP reports show that the family did inform the agency of her chronic
conditions of sickle cell anemia and heart disease when they arrived at a processing facility in Donna on May 10. She had been born with a
congenital heart disease in Panama.
Between May 14 and 17, the dates when the girl was in custody at the Harlingen border station, medical personnel had nine interactions with
the girl and her mother, according to the investigation. Staff had only reported three. The investigation cites a malfunctioning closed-circuit
television recording system at the facility.
While the girl was in custody at the border station, she complained of stomach aches, nausea, difficulty breathing, fever, flu-like symptoms
and pain.
On the morning of May 17, the nurse practitioner caring for the girl reported that the child had normal vital signs and administered treatment
for nausea.
Alvarez Benedicks made at least three additional requests to the nurse practitioner for an ambulance. Those requests were denied.
Later that day, just before 2 p.m., Alvarez Benedicks returned to the health unit carrying her daughter, who appeared to be having a seizure.
The mother and her daughter were transported in separate vehicles to Harligen's Valley Baptist Medical Center 2 miles away. Less than an hour
later, the child was dead.
Miller said that in the wake of the tragedy, the federal agency has taken several measures to avoid more in-custody deaths.
He said CBP has prioritized medically fragile individuals and families so that they can spend less time in custody. The agency also requested
additional medical professionals from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assist at multiple CBP sites.
Additionally, the federal law enforcement agency barred the contracted medical providers involved in this incident from working with CBP in
the future.
The agency said it has since repaired the video surveillance system at Harlingen Station.
Disclosure: Valley Baptist Medical Center has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization
that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's
journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
Go behind the headlines with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23. Join them to get their take
on what's next for Texas and the nation.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/01/child-death-border-
custody/
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at
texastribune.org.
Texas News
Woman arrested, 2 others accused looting Hurricane Beryl-ravaged Westchase area apartments
SUMMARY: Police in Houston have arrested 61-year-old Tamara Brown for allegedly breaking into multiple Westchase-area apartments damaged by Hurricane Beryl. Brown reportedly worked with two others, who remain at large. A man from Woodlake Oaks Apartments had to evacuate after his roof caved in and subsequently reported a burglary where thieves took electronics. Eyewitnesses found several garbage bags filled with potential stolen items outside the complex. In the Westbury neighborhood, Victoria Ma returned home to find her residence burglarized after losing power due to the hurricane. Brown was released on a $10,000 bond and ordered to stay 200 feet away from the complex.
The post Woman arrested, 2 others accused looting Hurricane Beryl-ravaged Westchase area apartments appeared first on abc13.com
Texas News
Worries over runoff have some concerned near Toll Road I83A
SUMMARY: The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) has been working on Toll Road 183A in Williamson County, Texas, for the past three years. CTRMA Director of Engineering, Mike Sexton, explains that the project involves extensive planning and community engagement. Despite meticulous preparation, construction can face unforeseen challenges such as water runoff, which has concerned local residents. To mitigate issues, CTRMA uses water quality ponds and detention facilities to manage water discharge. The rapid regional growth also affects water movement, necessitating weekly inspections. The project is nearing completion and is expected to be finished by early 2025.
The post Worries over runoff have some concerned near Toll Road I83A appeared first on www.kxan.com
Texas News
ABC brings the carnival to Comic-Con with an ‘Abbott’-inspired A.V.A. Fest
SUMMARY: A.V.A. Fest, short for “A Very Abbott” Festival, brought a carnival atmosphere to San Diego Comic-Con, inspired by “Abbott Elementary's” chaotic Principal Ava. The festival featured various activities, including the Philadelphia Eagles Drumline, rides, games, and a “Blessed & Pressed” tote bag station where guests could customize bags. Laura Lovas, V.P. of Strategic Partnerships and Events at ABC, highlighted the over-the-top nature of the event, reflecting Principal Ava's extravagant style. Lovas's favorite attraction was the giant yo-yo swing. The festival aimed to capture the show's playful spirit, with fans encouraged to catch up on episodes on Hulu.
The post ABC brings the carnival to Comic-Con with an ‘Abbott'-inspired A.V.A. Fest appeared first on abc13.com
-
Texas News6 days ago
Do you really have to wait to go swimming after eating?
-
Local News5 days ago
Car drives off Galveston Pier 21; 3 passengers missing
-
Texas News7 days ago
Flying amid CrowdStrike outage: What to expect next for your flight and tips to navigate travel chaos
-
Videos6 days ago
1 person taken to hospital after South Austin house fire | FOX 7 Austin
-
Local News6 days ago
Galveston, Texas news: Car drives off Pier 21 into water
-
Videos7 days ago
Pastor Robert Jeffress on First Baptist Dallas historic sanctuary fire
-
Kaiser Health News5 days ago
Harris, Once Biden’s Voice on Abortion, Would Take an Outspoken Approach to Health
-
Texas News6 days ago
Local perks for National Ice Cream Day