Migrant child died in U.S. custody this week, the HHS confirms
An unaccompanied migrant child died while in U.S. government care this week and a medical examiner investigation is underway, the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement released on Friday.
"The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our heart goes out to the family, with whom we are in touch," HHS said in the statement.
According to a tweet from Honduran foreign relations minister Enrique Reina, the teenager was identified as Ángel Eduardo Maradiaga Espinoza. Reina said the teenager was detained at a facility in Safety Harbor, Florida.
The HHS was responsible for the facility where the teenager was held.
In a press conference on Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the news was “deeply saddening to hear” and that the administration was aware of the tragic death of the minor.