U.S, Customs and Border Protection

HARLINGEN (News Release) - On the afternoon of August 28, a 29-year-old woman tragically passed away while in U.S. Border Patrol custody in Harlingen, Texas. The woman was encountered with her family in the Rio Grande Valley sector during the evening of August 27 and was in custody for less than 20 hours total. She experienced a medical emergency while in custody, was treated by an on-site medical team, Emergency Medical Services were called to the station and transported her to the local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.  

Consistent with CBP protocol, the Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an investigation of the incident. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the Harlingen Police Department were also notified. Additional information will be made available in accordance with CBP’s policy regarding deaths in custody.