Senator Rivera on Death of Minor at U.S. Customs and Border Protection Facility

I am beyond horrified and infuriated that Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin, an innocent 7 year old child from Guatemala, in the custody of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has died from starvation and exhaustion after crossing the border with her father in the hopes of a better and safer life in this country.

The lack of basic human decency that this administration consistently demonstrates to migrants traveling to this country attempting to escape extreme violence in their home countries is despicable. I join the ACLU and other organizations across the country in their call for a rigorous, in-depth investigation into how this horrendous tragedy happened. Like them, I demand the implementation of serious reforms to prevent future deaths, which should include the creation of new standards to improve the living conditions that detained individuals are currently enduring at CBP facilities. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: This administration has plunged our country into a deep moral crisis that is testing the principles and values that we as Americans have supposedly pursued and defended for centuries. This is without a doubt the most nativist, xenophobic, and racist administration in living memory.

I implore you: remain engaged, outraged and active.

This administration has decided to dispose of its humanity, let us make sure we do not do the same. 

#SayHerName
#JusticeForJakelin