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CBP Statement on Death in Custody: 52-year-old Nicaraguan Man Passes Away in Tucson, AZ

Release Date
Fri, 07/05/2019

The men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are saddened to report that a 52-year-old man from Nicaragua was pronounced deceased early this morning after he was rushed to the hospital. Our condolences are with his family. Border Patrol and Emergency Medical Services attempts to revive the man after he fell into medical distress were unsuccessful.  The deceased was part of a group of 36 individuals, all from Central America, that surrendered to Border Patrol agents west of Sasabe, Ariz. and were being processed at a Border Patrol facility in Tucson.

CBP is committed to the health, safety and humane treatment of those in our custody. Consistent with CBP policy, CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility has initiated a review. The Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General, the Nicaraguan government and members of Congress have been notified, consistent with CBP’s Interim Procedures on Notification of a Death in Custody.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021