Washington, D.C. – Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) issued the below statement in response to the tragic death of eight-year-old Anadith Danay Reyes Álvarez in Customs and Border Protection on May 17.
KIND Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Jennifer Podkul:
KIND is deeply saddened by the death of the 8-year-old girl who was being held in Customs and Border Protection custody in Harlingen, Texas, and offer condolences to her family. Her tragic death highlights the dire need for the U.S. government to hire child welfare professionals to ensure appropriate conditions and care for children at the border. Children and families most often arrive after treacherous journeys and their health and well-being may be compromised. Children are most vulnerable and need the particular care that child protection experts provide. We very much hope this will be the last tragedy of this kind that a family has to endure.
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Media Contact: Megan McKenna, mmckenna@supportkind.org, 202-631-9990