Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, is calling for multiple investigations into the deaths of migrant children in U.S. custody.
“Five children in six months is outrageous and unacceptable!” Castro tweeted late Monday.
“The @HispanicCaucus is asking for congressional, @DHSOIG and DOJ investigations immediately,” he said, referring to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice.
The Hispanic Caucus tweeted a similar statement, adding that “the system this Administration has set up @DHS is neglectful, unprepared & too often uncaring.”
{mosads}Earlier Monday, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that a 16-year-old boy died while in their custody. The cause of death was not immediately known.
“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,” acting CBP Commissioner John Sanders said in a statement. “CBP is committed to the health, safety and humane treatment of those in our custody.”
The incident marked the fifth death of a migrant children in U.S. custody since late last year.
In December, two children, 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin and 8-year-old Felipe Alonzo Gomez, died in custody, prompting a review of CBP policy.
Months later, 16-year-old Juan de León Gutiérrez died in April following “several days of intensive care” at a hospital after falling ill while in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Last week, an apprehended 2-year-old died after being hospitalized for pneumonia, following high fever and difficulty breathing.