Tragedy Strikes as 6-Year-Old Afghan Boy Dies in U.S. Government Custody
Washington — A 6-year-old Afghan boy, who was brought to the U.S. after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, tragically died last week while in federal government custody, according to a U.S. official who spoke to CBS News on Thursday. This marks the third such death of an unaccompanied child in U.S. government custody this year.
The Afghan child had a terminal illness, the official revealed, requesting anonymity to discuss the boy’s death, which had not been previously reported publicly. He passed away on June 13.
The boy was one of many Afghan children who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 without their parents after being evacuated from Afghanistan alongside tens of thousands of at-risk Afghan families and adults. Some of these children were unable to board U.S. evacuation flights, while others had lost their parents to the violence.
Due to their arrival in the U.S. without parents or legal guardians, these children were placed in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, which is responsible for housing unaccompanied minors, including those processed along the U.S.-Mexico border.
In a statement, HHS confirmed the child’s death, attributing it to “severe encephalopathy,” a medical term for a brain disease or disorder. The department explained that the boy was immediately transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center upon his arrival in the U.S. in August 2021. He was later moved to the HSC Pediatric Center in Washington, D.C., where he received round-the-clock nursing care for his terminal illness.
On June 2, the boy was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at the Children’s National Hospital due to an “acute medical complication,” according to HHS.
HHS stated, “Medical treatment was provided according to the parents’ wishes and aligned with the recommendations of the hospital’s health care provider team. Our heart goes out to the family at this difficult time.”
This tragic incident marks the third death of an unaccompanied child in HHS custody this year. In March, a 4-year-old girl from Honduras died after being hospitalized for cardiac arrest in Michigan. She had been in a medically fragile state for years. In May, officials disclosed the death of a 17-year-old Honduran boy who was being housed in one of the HHS shelters for unaccompanied minors in Florida. Authorities continue to investigate this death, which is believed to have resulted from an epileptic seizure.
In addition to these deaths in HHS custody, 8-year-old Anad
What measures are being taken by the U.S. government to improve the conditions and services provided to unaccompanied minors in federal custody?
Thousands of other refugees. These children, known as unaccompanied minors, have been placed in federal government custody while awaiting placement with sponsors in the U.S.
The details of the boy’s terminal illness and cause of death have not been disclosed. The government official, who spoke anonymously, expressed their condolences to the child’s family and emphasized the importance of providing appropriate medical care and support to all children in federal custody.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. It is the third death of an unaccompanied child in U.S. government custody this year. The previous deaths occurred in February and April, involving children from Guatemala and Honduras. These incidents have raised concerns about the conditions and well-being of children in government facilities.
The U.S. government has faced criticism for its handling of the influx of Afghan refugees and the welfare of unaccompanied minors. Advocacy groups and lawmakers have called for increased transparency and accountability regarding the treatment and care of these vulnerable children.
Efforts are being made by government agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, to improve the conditions and services provided to unaccompanied minors. However, this recent death underscores the need for continued scrutiny and action to ensure the safety and well-being of these children.
While the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are still being investigated, it serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the challenges facing unaccompanied children in federal custody. The Biden administration and relevant agencies must prioritize the provision of adequate medical care, mental health support, and safe living conditions for these vulnerable children.
As the U.S. grapples with the aftermath of the Afghan conflict and the continued arrival of refugees seeking safety and a better life, it is essential that their well-being and protection are at the forefront of all efforts. The tragic death of this 6-year-old Afghan boy serves as a devastating reminder of the high stakes involved and the need for swift action and accountability.