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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Freeland Ellis, FBT@berlinrosen.com 646.992.8306

Fourth Child Has Died After Being Held in U.S. Immigration Custody

Families Belong Together: "President Trump doesn’t care if innocent children die on his watch." 

WASHINGTON

Reports late last night confirm a 2 1/2-year-old boy has died after being taken into U.S. immigration custody -- the fourth reported child death in the last six months. Jess Morales Rocketto, Chair of Families Belong Together, released the following response:

"The death of a single child in custody of our government is a horrific tragedy. Four in six months is a clear pattern of willful, callous disregard for children's lives. President Trump doesn't care if innocent children die on his watch, but this country will not stand by while his cruel immigration agenda kills children."

The tally includes, 16-year-old Juan de Leon Gutierrez, 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin and 8-year-old Felipe Alonzo-Gomez. Another 20-month old girl, Mariee Juarez, died shortly after being held with her mother at a family detention center in Texas. Her mother is now suing the government for neglect.