WHY

40-Year-Old Mexican Immigrant Dies in U.S. Custody, Fourth Death in Recent Months

He’d been diagnosed with flu-like symptoms, liver failure, and renal failure.

A 40-year-old Mexican immigrant died in U.S. custody on Monday. The man, who has not been identified, is the fourth person to die after being apprehended by border authorities in recent months. He died at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, after being diagnosed with flu-like symptoms, liver failure, and renal failure, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement. Andrew Meehan, assistant commissioner for public affairs at CBP, said the agency’s thoughts and prayers go out to the man’s family and his loved ones. “CBP remains committed to ensuring the safe, humane, and dignified treatment of those within the care of our custody,” Meehan said in a statement. “CBP will release more details as available and appropriate, and will ensure an independent and thorough review of the circumstances.”

The man, who had been previously deported and arrested by Border Patrol for illegal reentry, had been apprehended by Border Patrol agents on Sunday in El Paso. He was evaluated by medical personnel at Border Patrol’s processing facility near the Paso del Norte port of entry, and was transported to the medical center after being diagnosed. CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility has launched a review into his death.

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