U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued new guidelines this week requiring its agents to quickly inform CBP leadership, Congress, and the public of the death of people in its custody following intense criticism of the agency's response to the death of a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl who died earlier this month.

Jakelin Caal Maquin died on Dec. 7 after crossing the southern border with her father in New Mexico and spending more than 11 hours in CBP custody. But her death did not become public until The Washington Post published a story about her case on Dec. 13.

That delay led to sharp criticism from members of Congress, who said the agency had violated rules that require it to inform Congress and others of any deaths within 24 hours. CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan cited privacy concerns for the girl's family, and concerns that the death would be politicized, for not disclosing the death earlier, including during an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 11.

Under the new rules, which were signed by McAleenan and went into effect on Monday, CBP agents must inform the commissioner's office and the consulate of the victim's home country within four hours of any death. The departments of State and Homeland Security must be informed within 12 hours, congressional offices must be informed within 24 hours, and members of media must be told one hour later.

Those changes may not be the only result of Maquin's death.

The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General's office is conducting an investigation into the medical care she received while in government custody. CBP officials have blamed her father for not alerting them to her worsening medical condition earlier. But the father has disputed that story, saying he had kept her well fed and hydrated, and that she only became ill after being taken into custody.

Congressional members have also weighed in. On Tuesday, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus toured the two Border Patrol facilities in New Mexico where the girl passed through, expressed outrage over the conditions that migrants must endure while in federal custody.

Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, called conditions inside the Lordsburg (N.M.) Border Patrol Station "unbelievable and unconscionable." And Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., said he got an assurance from McAleenan that he would support a congressional investigation if one was necessary.

"It's abundantly clear after today that it is absolutely necessary," Luján said.