Honduran teen dies in US immigration custody
- Angel Eduardo Maradiaga Espinoza’s is the first known death of an immigrant child in custody during the Biden administration
- An investigation by a medical examiner is under way; the news comes as Title 42 restrictions expire and are replaced by new US border rules
A 17-year-old boy from Honduras died this week in US immigration custody, American and Honduran officials said Friday, underscoring concerns about a strained immigration system as the Biden administration manages the end of asylum restrictions known as Title 42.
The teenager was identified as Angel Eduardo Maradiaga Espinoza, according to a tweet from Honduran foreign relations minister Enrique Reina. Maradiaga was detained at a facility in Safety Harbour, Florida, Reina said.
He entered the US several weeks ago and died on Wednesday, according to a US official familiar with the matter who was not authorised to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
No cause of death was immediately available nor were circumstances of any illness or medical treatment.
The US Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for the facility where Maradiaga was held, said in a statement that a review of healthcare records was under way as was an investigation by a medical examiner.
HHS “is deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our heart goes out to the family, with whom we are in touch,” the department’s statement said.
