The Tragic Death of Jakelin Caal Maquin
Jakelin Caal Maquin was a seven-year-old indigenous girl from Guatemala who died in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in December 2018. Her death sparked outrage and calls for accountability from lawmakers and activists alike.
AOC's Visit to the CBP Facility
In July 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), a Democratic congresswoman from New York, visited a CBP facility in Texas as part of a congressional delegation. During her visit, AOC witnessed the inhumane conditions in which migrants were being held, including overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, and inadequate access to medical care.
Bringing Jakelin's Mother to Congress
In February 2019, AOC invited Jakelin's mother, Claudia Maquin, to testify before Congress about her daughter's death. This was the first time that a family member of a migrant child who had died in U.S. custody was invited to speak before Congress.
Claudia Maquin's Testimony
Claudia Maquin's testimony was heartbreaking. She spoke about how her daughter had been healthy when they began their journey to the U.S. border. She recounted how they had been taken into custody by CBP agents and how her daughter had become sick and died shortly thereafter. She also spoke about the lack of medical care her daughter had received while in CBP custody.
Accountability for CBP
AOC's decision to bring Claudia Maquin to Congress was a powerful moment in the fight for accountability for CBP. It highlighted the need for transparency and oversight of CBP's treatment of migrants, especially children.
The Need for Immigration Reform
The tragedy of Jakelin Caal Maquin's death and the inhumane conditions in which migrants are being held in CBP facilities have brought renewed attention to the need for comprehensive immigration reform. AOC and other lawmakers have called for an end to the inhumane treatment of migrants and for a more compassionate and just immigration system.
Conclusion
The death of Jakelin Caal Maquin and the inhumane treatment of migrants in CBP custody are a stain on our country's moral character. AOC's decision to bring Jakelin's mother to Congress was a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and reform. We must continue to fight for a more just and compassionate immigration system that reflects our values as a nation.