Durbin Statement On Additional CBP & Former Loyal Source Whistleblowers Alleging Systemic Failures At Agency To Ensure Proper Oversight Of Medical Care Contractor

Statement

“The whistleblowers’ disclosures continue to demonstrate CBP’s failure to oversee the provision of medical care to individuals in custody and indicate the agency has not pursued needed changes, including those necessary to respond to the dangerous conditions that led to the death of Anadith Danay Reyes Álvarez, an 8-year-old child with sickle cell and congenital heart disease who died in CBP custody in Harlingen, Texas, last May.

Whistleblower disclosures from CBP employees and former Loyal Source staff allege poor operational and management decisions by CBP and Loyal Source prior to and in the aftermath of Anadith’s death that impacted CBP’s ability to improve medical care. These allegations include disturbing examples of individuals receiving substandard medical care in CBP custody, documentation of government waste and mismanagement within CBP’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer, and a hostile work environment.

As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I will continue to press CBP foranswers, as well as continue our investigation of this issue in order to better protect migrants in government custody.”

Source