Second person in less than 36 hours dies in US custody after illegally crossing border

A 40-year-old woman from Honduras died in the custody of the U.S. government, the second such death in a 36-hour period, officials said.

The woman was apprehended by Border Patrol agents early Monday after illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). She later collapsed at the Eagle Pass South Station in Texas, and staff there began treating her. She was then taken to a hospital where she died.

CBP is not publicly identifying the woman until her family is notified.

{mosads}“On behalf of the men and women of CBP, we extend our deepest condolences to those who are just learning of the death of their loved one,” said Acting CBP Commissioner John P. Sanders. “This tragedy marks the second time in less than 36 hours that a person has died immediately following their perilous migration from their home in Central America, through Mexico and across our Southwest border.”

CBP said Sunday in a statement that a 33-year-old man from El Salvador suffered a seizure while in U.S. custody and then died. CBP has not released his identity.

CNN reported that a third migrant died while in U.S. custody in a three-day period. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed in a statement to The Hill the June 1 death of Jonathan Alberto “aka Johana” Medina Leon, 25, of El Salvador.

ICE said that Medina Leon “requested to be tested for HIV and tested positive” on May 28. She was later transferred to the hospital where she died.

According to CNN, Medina Leon was a transgender woman.

In May, CBP confirmed the death of a 16-year-old boy who had been in U.S. custody.

Updated at 11:55 a.m. on Wednesday.