SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Human rights organizations gathered at the U.S.-Mexico border to remember a woman who died Wednesday. It’s believed she was being held with other asylum seekers at an open-air detention site, west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry between the border barriers.
“We want to recognize that it was a human being, with their own story with their own dreams wishes,” American Friends Service Committee Director, Pedro Rios said.
As a way for the community to pay their respects, an altar was put together along the border wall. A sign at the altar reads ‘No seras olvidada,’ you will not be forgotten, a message dedicated to remember the 29-year-old.
“Until we have more information, we will continue to say you will not be forgotten … we will not forget you,” American Friends Service Committee U.S - Mexico Border Program Coordinator Adriana Jasso said.
A spokesperson for Customs and Border protection says the woman approached border patrol agents in medical distress, then shortly after suffered a medical emergency.
“First aid was immediately initiated, and the individual was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital by local emergency medical services where they passed away,” CBP spokesperson said.
Human rights organizations are concerned about the dangers of asylum seekers at open-air detention sites, CBP’s statement raises more questions for them.
Alexander Tenorio, a resident physician who volunteers his expertise at the border, is one that wants a more in depth answer.
“There are questions that I have regarding that statement because it contradicts statements that border patrol agents told volunteers here, one of those is when and where did she die,”
Tenorio said migrants often suffer from a variety of medical conditions.
“We have seen people with broken bones, including broken backs, traumatic injuries, open wounds when they fall off from the border wall,” Tenorio said.
Tenorio hopes more can be done to prevent another tragedy.
“There needs to be more CBP support and more medical support,” Tenorio said.
CBP Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident and additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
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