CUEVITAS, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection is saddened to report that a Mexican male was pronounced deceased early Friday morning just south of Cuevitas, Texas. Our condolences are with his family.

Early Friday morning, on March 20, 2020, a male Mexican national was encountered by Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents as part of a group of individuals. The subject was taken into custody and placed in a Border Patrol vehicle while agents continued to apprehend more subjects. The subject was discovered to be unresponsive when agents returned to the vehicle. Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents attempted life-saving measures until Emergency Medical personnel arrived. Despite the best efforts of emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

“This loss of life is tragic, despite the best efforts of our Border Patrol agents and medical professionals,” said Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector Chief Brian Hastings. “Making the dangerous journey to the United States has potentially deadly consequences and we want everyone to think twice before putting their lives in the hands of human smugglers and other criminal organizations.”

The care of those in CBP’s custody is paramount. Consistent with policy, CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility has initiated a review. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General and the Government of Mexico have been notified.