FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Friday, May 12, 2023 

Media Contact: media@theyoungcenter.org 

Washington D.C.— Today brought heartbreaking news that an immigrant child died this week after entering the United States as an unaccompanied child and being placed in government custody. Olivia Peña, co-director of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights’ Child Advocate Program, issued the following statement: 

“Our hearts are shattered after hearing the news that a child died in government custody after making the increasingly dangerous journey to the United States. While the cause of their death has not yet been disclosed, what we do know is that this child died away from loved ones, whether those loved ones were in the United States, trapped on the other side of the border, or in home country. All children deserve to live full, safe, and healthy lives. Our hearts are with everyone, especially the child’s family, grieving this unimaginable loss. We hope and expect the child’s family will receive all the necessary resources as they navigate this tragic situation.” 

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The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is a non-profit organization that protects and advances the rights and best interests of immigrant children and advocates for an immigration system that treats children as children first. For press inquiries, please contact Anabel Mendoza at media@theyoungcenter.org