An 8-Year-Old Boy Died On Christmas Morning After He Was Held By Border Protection buzzfeednews.com/article/talala… via @talalnansari
Statement from @JoaquinCastrotx on the death of Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, the 8 yr old who died last night in CBP custody.
“Many questions remain unanswered, including how many children have died in CBP custody.”
“Many questions remain unanswered, including how many children have died in CBP custody.”
An official with knowledge of Felipe’s death told me the 8 yr old had been detained by CBP for a whole week before he died. He and his father were detained since Dec. 18 after crossing into the US in El Paso, Texas.
UPDATE: CBP says 8 yr old Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, who died in govt custody, was first held at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso on Dec. 18, then transferred to El Paso Border Patrol Station Dec. 20, and then Alamogordo Border Patrol Station on Dec. 22
Almost five hours after being released from the hospital with antibiotic meds and ibuprofen on Dec. 24, Felipe was nauseous and vomited in detention. Three hours later taken to hospital again after appearing lethargic and nauseous again.
Because there was no EMT on-duty, CBP said took the 8 yr old and his dad back to the hospital out of caution. On the way Felipe vomited and lost consciousness. He was pronounced dead at 11:48PM on Dec. 24.
Felipe Alonzo-Gomez's body will be transported to Alamogordo Funeral Home pending transfer to Albuquerque for autopsy. His father is currently detained at the Alamogordo Station pending transfer to ICE custody.
CBP said that in light of recent events Border Patrol is conducting secondary medical checks on all kids in the agency's custody, with a focus on children under 10 years old. Also looking at other options for holding kids, including ICE family detention & temporary housing.
