In a troubling development, healthcare professionals in Texas have raised serious concerns about the treatment of migrant children in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities. According to a recent report, numerous children, many of whom are unwell, are being held in these detention centers for extended periods—far exceeding the legal limit of 72 hours. Some children are reportedly kept in these facilities for up to a month before being transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Two anonymous registered nurses, who have treated these children in hospitals throughout the Rio Grande Valley, have come forward to express their alarm. They allege that Border Patrol agents are deliberately delaying the transfer of seriously ill children to medical facilities. “It’s alarming to see kids who are so sick they are on the verge of respiratory or cardiac arrest,” one nurse shared. “In some cases, they should have been taken to the hospital a week prior. I can’t help but question what Border Patrol is waiting for.”
Many of these young migrants arrive in the U.S. already suffering from various ailments, a consequence of their arduous journeys and the prolonged processing times at the border. The nurses indicate that the unhygienic conditions within detention centers exacerbate these health issues, as children lack access to basic necessities such as clean water and proper sanitation.
Local doctor Jenna Lark recently described conditions at the McAllen detention center as “inhumane,” noting extreme cold temperatures, constant lighting, and inadequate food and medical care. Lark reported that the youngest child in custody was just two and a half months old, and all 39 children she examined showed signs of severe trauma. Some teenagers reported they hadn’t been able to wash their hands since their arrival, while mothers struggled to provide proper nutrition for their infants.
In response to these dire situations, immigration lawyers have filed an emergency motion demanding immediate inspections of the Clint facility and several others. They claim that children are being forced into caretaking roles for younger kids, while being denied basic hygiene and nutrition.
In a typical fashion, former President Donald Trump dismissed the nurses’ claims, stating, “Our Border Patrol personnel are not medical professionals. The Democrats’ flawed immigration laws are to blame for these issues,” echoing a sentiment focused on political division rather than humanitarian concern.
Unless there are significant changes to U.S. immigration and asylum policies, many innocent children will continue to endure physical and emotional suffering. Advocacy and support for organizations like RAICES Texas are crucial in holding representatives accountable and bringing attention to these issues.
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In summary, nurses in Texas are raising alarms about the treatment of sick migrant children, alleging that Border Patrol is intentionally delaying medical care, which is leading to severe health risks. These claims highlight urgent issues within the U.S. immigration system that require immediate attention and reform.