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Speeches and Statements

Statement from CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller on the Investigation of the in-custody death of a child

The recent in-custody death of an eight-year-old child in our custody in Harlingen, Texas was a deeply upsetting and unacceptable tragedy. We can —and we will— do better to ensure this never happens again. 

The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility’s (OPR) updated statement on the investigation of this May 17, 2023 death provides important new information on this tragic death that will inform our efforts to ensure that this does not happen again.

Statement from Acting Commissioner Troy Miller on CBP’s Successful Fentanyl Interdiction Efforts During Operation Blue Lotus

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller issued the following statement today on the results of a two-month Department of Homeland Security operation, ending on May 8, that targeted fentanyl smuggling along the southwest border of the U.S. and led to more than 100 arrests and the seizure of more than 4,700 pounds of fentanyl:

Tucson agents involved in fatal shooting of man, while responding to shots fired call

On May 18, at approximately 9:04 p.m., the US Border Patrol Tucson Sector Tactical Operations Center advised the Ajo Border Patrol Station that the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department was requesting assistance from Border Patrol agents to respond to a shots fired call west of the Menagers Dam Village. The police department requested agents meet at the local recreation center prior to responding to the location. The Ajo Border Patrol Station transmitted a request over service radio for any available units to respond at approximately 9:06 p.m.

Statement from CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller regarding the ongoing investigation of in-custody death

We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an eight-year-old girl who was in CBP custody with her parents earlier this week. Consistent with CBP protocol, the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is conducting an investigation of the incident.  

The health and safety of individuals in our custody, our workforce, and communities we serve is paramount. To that end, we must ensure that medically fragile individuals receive the best possible care and spend the minimum amount of time possible in CBP custody. 

Update: Death in Custody of 8-Year-Old in Harlingen, Texas

CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating the tragic death of an eight-year-old child in U.S. Border Patrol Custody which occurred on May 17, 2023, in Harlingen, TX. Consistent with agency policy and CBP’s commitment to transparency and accountability, we are sharing information about this incident as quickly as possible.

Statement from CBP

Release Date

Today, an eight-year-old girl tragically passed away while in U.S. Border Patrol custody in Harlingen, Texas. The child and her family were in custody at the Harlingen Station where she experienced a medical emergency. Emergency Medical Services were called to the station and transported her to the local hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

Statement from CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Troy Miller issued the following statement today:

“Earlier this year, the United States announced parole processes for Venezuelans, Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans, which provide individuals with safe and orderly pathways to access the United States, and imposes consequences for those who do not use them.