A 52-year-old Chinese woman died by suicide while being held in U.S. Border Patrol custody at the Yuma station in Arizona, according to Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. The woman had been arrested for overstaying her visa and had been in custody for three days before her death on 29 March.
Arrested in California, Held in Arizona
The woman was first detained near Needles, California, during a vehicle stop on March 26, along with a 38-year-old Chinese man. Agents found over $220,000 in cash, wrapped in aluminum foil and stored in duffel bags. Officials suspect the money was tied to illegal activity, although further details have not been disclosed.
She was then transferred to Yuma, Arizona, where she remained until her death.
Concerns Over Neglected Welfare Checks
In a public statement, Rep. Pramila Jayapal—ranking member of the House subcommittee on immigration—said initial reports indicate that required welfare checks were not properly conducted or logged by Border Patrol agents.
“This detainee died by suicide, and initial reports have indicated that certain CBP procedures to ensure the safety and welfare of individuals in custody were not conducted,” Jayapal stated.
Although logs claimed the checks were made, officials investigating the case reportedly could not verify if they actually occurred.
Surveillance Shows Two-Hour Delay Before Response
Jayapal further revealed that surveillance footage showed the woman creating a noose and tying it around her neck, but no response came for nearly two hours. Medical help was finally called, and she was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
“As the CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility investigates this death, they must provide answers on why these welfare checks were not conducted and falsely recorded,” Jayapal said.
CBP Acknowledges Death After Media Inquiry
The Tucson Sentinel first reported the incident and noted that Border Patrol did not publicly acknowledge the death until after the outlet made inquiries. A CBP spokesperson later confirmed the woman was found “unresponsive in a cell” and that medical staff attempted to assist her before emergency services arrived.
“All in-custody deaths are tragic, taken seriously, and are thoroughly investigated by CBP,” the spokesperson said.
Lawmaker Criticizes Detention Conditions
Jayapal voiced concern about conditions in immigration detention centers, especially as the second Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on immigration in the first months of its return to office.
She criticized how detained individuals—especially those facing immigration violations—are treated, noting that the U.S. has repeatedly failed to meet its obligations to provide dignity and proper care for people in custody.
A Tragic Reminder
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment and safety of detainees in U.S. immigration facilities. Despite procedures meant to protect those in custody, failures in oversight and accountability can have devastating consequences.
As investigations continue, lawmakers and human rights advocates are pushing for stronger enforcement of welfare standards, especially amid an increasingly harsh immigration climate.