On Jan. 20, 2022, a Border Patrol agent apprehended a group of 16 undocumented migrants, including a male citizen of Haiti, approximately two miles northwest of the San Luis Port of Entry. The group was transported to the Yuma Sector Centralized Processing Center (CPC). At approximately 4:01 p.m., the man arrived at the CPC.
At approximately 7:22 p.m., a Customs and Border Protection-contracted medical provider conducted a medical assessment of the man. With the assistance of a Haitian Creole interpreter, the man stated he had not eaten well for the past five months, he could not tolerate smells, and he was experiencing abdominal pain. The medical provider gave the man an electrolyte drink and observed his vitals improve. Medical personnel continued to monitor the man.
At approximately 9:01 p.m., with an interpreter, the man advised medical personnel he was unable to eat, was suffering from muscle pain, abdominal pain, and fatigue. A CBP-contracted medical provider recommended the man be taken to the hospital for further medical attention. A Border Patrol agent transported the man to the Yuma Regional Medical Center.
On Jan. 21, 2022, the man was admitted into Yuma Regional Medical Center for further evaluation. The man remained at the medical center for five days receiving medical attention for cholecystitis and COVID-19, while under CBP hospital watch.
On Jan. 26, 2022, at approximately 9:28 a.m., the man was released from Yuma Regional Medical Center and was transported back to the Central Processing Center where CBP-contracted medical personnel continued to monitor him.
On Jan. 27, 2022, at approximately 12:24 p.m., a CBP-contracted medical provider evaluated the man and provided him medication for upper respiratory congestion and fever.
On Jan.28, 2022, a CBP-contracted medical provider evaluated the man and noted he was experiencing chills, fever, and nausea. The medical provider recommended the man be taken to the hospital for further medical attention.
On Jan. 28, 2022, at approximately 6:17 p.m., medical personnel recommended the man be taken to the hospital and a Border Patrol Agent transported him to the hospital.
The man was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 29, 2022, at approximately 3:51 a.m. He remained at the hospital while he received medical treatment for COVID-19, pneumonia, and cholecystitis.
On Jan. 29, 2022, the man was issued a Notice to Appear/Own Recognizance and was released from CBP custody while he was at Yuma Regional Medical Center.
On Feb. 2, 2022, at approximately 5:03 p.m., the man succumbed to his illness and was declared deceased by Yuma Regional Medical Center medical personnel.
On Feb. 8, 2022, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility received notification of the man’s death, approximately six days after his death as he was released from CBP custody more than a week earlier. Documents gathered by CBP Office of Professional Responsibility special agents indicated the man, while at the Central Processing Center, was seen by CBP-contracted medical personnel on five occasions.
On Feb. 9, 2022, Office of Professional Responsibility special agents received the medical examiner’s report. The report indicated the cause of death was determined to be acute respiratory distress syndrome, due to pneumonia and COVID-19.
CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing this incident. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified of the incident.
