A Mexican woman died from pre-existing cancer after crossing the Rio Grande River into Texas last month, this according to a statement released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The woman, who has not been named, was apprehended along with a group illegally crossing the river just before midnight on September 23.
It didn't take long after being taken into custody for the woman to express she was having difficulty breathing. A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician assessed her condition and determined the need to immediately transport her to the hospital. This was barely 15 minutes after her initial apprehension.
Upon reaching Starr County Memorial Hospital, she was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. CBP agents maintained a hospital watch as medical personnel isolated her due to the severity of her illness. The following morning, she was deemed in need of advanced care and was moved to Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, Texas.
Despite receiving multiple tests and treatments over seven days, the woman's condition worsened. She underwent a major medical complication, was intubated and sedated, and placed under close observation in the Intensive Care Unit. Tragically, on October 4, she succumbed to her illness. "The attending physician advised BPAs conducting hospital watch that the cause of death was Adenocarcinoma," CBP stated in their release.
Following her death, her body was transported to Flores Funeral Home in Mission, TX. The CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) was consulted and decided against performing an autopsy. However, CBP OPR is reviewing the incident and has notified the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.
