CPB Custody Act: Democrats unveil bill to bolster care of migrants in Border Patrol custody
Democrats hope their latest legislative effort, which is being spearheaded by California Rep. Raul Ruiz, will help prevent more deaths. The four-term lawmaker, a former emergency physician, denounced the conditions he has witnessed in detention facilities for migrants.
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If enacted, the legislation would set new minimum standards of medical procedures by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Homeland Security agency which oversees Border Patrol agents. The agency hires medical practitioners to conduct health screening on migrants and is also responsible for transporting sick people in its custody to nearby hospitals.
Under the bill, U.S. border authorities would need to ensure that migrants in high-risk populations like pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with serious medical conditions like HIV receive a health screening within three hours of their apprehension. All other migrants would need to receive a screening within 12 hours of their detention.
The screening would include an interview with the migrant, a psychological exam and screenings for vital signs like pulse, temperature, blood pressure and oxygen levels. The proposal also demands CBP ensure an interpreter is available during screenings if needed.
Currently, detained migrants usually receive these examinations, but not necessarily in these timeframes
Border officials would also need to have a licensed emergency care professional on call in case migrants need urgent medical attention, as well as emergency transportation in detention facilities or located within 30 minutes of the detention facility.
In addition to its provisions outlining medical care standards, the bill also calls for CBP to have sufficient drinking water, food, hygiene products and working and clean bathrooms for migrants in its custody. For migrants who are 12 years or older, border officials must be able to offer a daily diet consisting of three meals that together amount to no less than 2,000 calories.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/democrats-unveil-bill-to-bolster-medical-care-of-migrants-in-border-patrol-custody/
