Following the tragic death of an 8-year-old girl at a Texas Border Patrol station, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reassigned its chief medical officer, Dr. David Tarantino. The girl's mother reportedly pleaded multiple times for an ambulance due to her daughter's serious medical conditions, including a chronic heart condition, a rare blood disorder, and a high fever, but these pleas were allegedly disregarded.
Dr. Tarantino, the first to hold the chief medical officer position since its creation in 2020, played a role in expanding medical services for individuals in CBP custody. His reassignment comes as CBP acknowledges the need for improvements in their medical care policies and procedures, especially in light of the ongoing investigation into the child's death. He is expected to move to a temporary role within the Department of Homeland Security.
Anadith Tanay Reyes Alvarez, the 8-year-old from Panama, was being held at the Harlingen, Texas station after a flu diagnosis. She passed away on May 17, her ninth day in custody. Reports indicate CBP staff interacted with the girl and her mother approximately nine times during her final four days at the facility.
A nurse practitioner reportedly denied the mother's repeated requests for an ambulance, despite the child's dangerously high fever, nausea, and breathing difficulties. Instead, the girl was given medication, a cold pack, and a cold shower. CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is currently investigating these actions.
CBP’s statement emphasizes their commitment to implementing necessary improvements to their medical care, particularly following this tragic incident. The agency aims to bring in new leadership to drive action and address the concerns raised by the child's death.
