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Washington, DC - An eight year-old Guatemalan national, previously apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, died shortly before midnight on December 24 at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo, New Mexico.  Consistent with CBP’s commitment to accountability and transparency, CBP is releasing a timeline reflecting a current understanding of key events that occurred prior to the child’s passing.  These updates are based on initial operational reporting.

The following statement is attributable to Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

“This is a tragic loss. On behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, our deepest sympathies go out to the family.

Deaths in CBP custody are extraordinarily rare.  In light of recent events, the Commissioner has directed the following actions:

The following timeline, based on an understanding of the facts at this stage, is in local time, Mountain Standard Time.

*Welfare check definition:  Agent directly observes all detainees are safe and secure, and attends to any issues observed or relayed by those detained.