The mother of an eight-year-old girl who died in US custody has blamed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for her daughter's death, claiming his policies encouraged illegal migration. Anadith Reyes, from Panama, died on May 17 at a hospital in Harlingen, Texas, after falling ill at a US Border Patrol station.
Her mother, Mabel Álvarez, said she pleaded for medical help three times on the day of her death. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that the family visited the medical unit three times on May 17. Álvarez carried her daughter to medics when she began having a seizure, but she died less than an hour after being taken to hospital.
Anadith had congenital heart disease and sickle cell anaemia, and was being treated for flu. CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller said steps must be taken to ensure medically fragile migrants receive proper care. The Department of Homeland Security's Chief Medical Officer will review medical practices at CBP facilities.
Álvarez told the Associated Press: 'She cried and begged for her life and they ignored her. They didn't do anything for her.' Anadith is the first child to die in US custody since the removal of Title 42, and the third under President Joe Biden.
