An illegal immigrant from Honduras passed away in a Texas hospital after being treated for pneumonia and falling, according to officials. The woman, who remains unidentified, died on April 4 at the Brooks Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston. She was initially arrested by Texas state troopers on March 16 near the Travis D. Kelly Hydroelectric Water Plant near Eagle Pass. The woman revealed that she had previously attempted suicide by stopping her medication.
After experiencing difficulty breathing at the Val Verde Processing Center (VVPC) in Del Rio, emergency services were called. She was charged with criminal trespassing in Maverick County and a judge determined that she may have a mental illness or intellectual disability. As a result, she was provided with mental health services while in custody.
The woman was transferred to the Lopez State Jail in Edinburg, Texas before being released and transferred to the Jim Hogg Temporary Processing Center (JHPC) in Hebbronville. Border Patrol agents were informed that the charges against her had been dropped and that she was being transferred to their custody. She was diagnosed with pneumonia on March 27 at the Laredo Medical Center and was released from CBP custody the following day with a court appearance notice.
Unfortunately, on March 30, she fell in the hospital and suffered a subdural hematoma. Medical staff at LMC monitored her condition, but on April 1, her mental status changed and she needed to be intubated. She was then transferred to BAMC in San Antonio for advanced medical care, where she passed away two days later.
An autopsy has been conducted, but the cause of death is still pending. This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by many migrants seeking medical treatment while in custody. It also raises questions about the care and support provided to individuals with mental health issues within the immigration system. The woman’s death serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations, regardless of their legal status.