House passes Rep. Ruiz’s bill to improve care for those in CBP custody
The House of Representatives passed local Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz’s bill to establish basic standards of care for those in the custody of the United States Customs and Border Protection.
The bill passed with a vote of 233 to 195 earlier today. According to Ruiz’s office, H.R. 3239 will help prevent children from dying in CBP custody, protect the health of agents and families, and establish basic standards of care to meet the humanitarian needs of those in CBP custody.
Ruiz referred to things like overcrowded processing centers, freezing temperatures, people sleeping on floors, lack of private bathrooms, and arbitrary confiscation of medications as just some examples of inhumane conditions and practices at CBP facilities.
Ruiz’s bill would require the following changes be made at these facilities.
Health Screening and Emergency Care – Every CBP custody will receive a health screening by a medical professional to identify acute conditions and high-risk vulnerabilities. Each facility must maintain personnel and equipment necessary to conduct health screenings and provide emergency care, including basic medication, emergency transportation, and interpreters.
Water, Sanitation, Hygiene Standards – Every person in CBP custody will have undeterred access to drinking water; private, safe, clean, and reliable toilets with proper waste disposal; a hand washing station; and basic personal hygiene products.
Nutrition Standards – Every person in CBP custody will receive the medically appropriate number of calories for age and weight to height ratio, including special diets for babies, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as the elderly and ill.
Shelter Standards – The holding facilities must maintain specific shelter and environmental standards, such as minimum space requirements, specified temperature ranges, and appropriate bedding.
Coordination and Surge Capacity – CBP will enter into Memoranda of Understanding with appropriate federal agencies to address these needs by using a coordinated approach.
Training – CBP will provide appropriate training for officers to implement the requirements set forth in this legislation.
“When I visited the CBP detention facilities at our border, I saw dirty, inhumane conditions that threatened the health of infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Six children have now died under the custody, and therefore the responsibility, of our federal government,” Ruiz wrote.
As Ruiz said, six children who died while in CBP custody in the past 8 months; 7-year-old Jakelin Caal, 8-year-old Felipe Gomez, 16-year-old Juan De Leon Gutierrez, 16-year-old Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, 2-year-old Wilmer Josu Ramrez Vsquez, and 10-year-old Darlyn Valle.
“Today’s vote brings us closer than ever to preventing the deaths of children and restoring humanity to our treatment of children and families seeking asylum,” Ruiz added.
H.R. 3239 is co-sponsored by 160 representatives, all Democrats. The bill will now move to the Senate. Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.
Click here if you would like to read the full text of the bill.
