Family Sues US Over 8-Year-Old's Death in Custody After Border Crossing

Honduran family files wrongful death lawsuit after child with heart condition died in CBP detention facility

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of an empty detention cell with a single chair and a small window, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of melancholy and isolation.The family's lawsuit seeks accountability and change to prevent future tragedies of migrant children dying in U.S. custody.Harlingen Today

The Honduran family of an 8-year-old girl with a heart condition who died in U.S. custody after crossing the border in 2023 has sued the federal government. Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, who had chronic heart problems and sickle cell anemia, got sick with flu-like symptoms and died after being detained for eight days in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. An internal CBP investigation found failures in providing proper medical care, and the child was not taken to a hospital until her body went limp in her mother's arms.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrant children in U.S. custody, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions. It raises questions about the adequacy of medical care and protocols for vulnerable detainees, as well as the broader debate over immigration enforcement policies and their human toll.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Anadith had a high fever of 104.9°F, as well as nausea, breathing difficulties, and pain while in custody. Despite pleas from her mother, the child was not taken to a hospital until she became unresponsive. An internal CBP investigation found failures in providing proper medical care and that personnel did not review documents describing the girl's sensitive condition.

  • Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez crossed the border and was detained in 2023.
  • Anadith died while in CBP custody in 2023.
  • The family filed a tort claim against the government in 2025, which was denied in October.
  • The family filed this wrongful death lawsuit on April 10, 2026.

The players

Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez

An 8-year-old Honduran girl with chronic heart problems and sickle cell anemia who died in U.S. custody after crossing the border in 2023.

Mabel Alvarez Benedicks

Anadith's mother, who pleaded for her daughter to receive medical attention while in custody.

Rossel Reyes Martinez

Anadith's father, who said her death was the realization of a parent's worst nightmare.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal agency that detained Anadith, whose internal investigation found failures in providing proper medical care.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal department that oversees CBP and did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That is why we are filing this lawsuit today in her memory, to ensure that no family has to endure the same pain we have endured.”

— Rossel Reyes Martinez, Anadith's father

“Anadith had a high fever of 104.9 F (40.5 C) as well as nausea, breathing difficulties and pain.”

— Mabel Alvarez Benedicks, Anadith's mother

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow the family's wrongful death lawsuit to proceed against the federal government.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for rigorous medical protocols and proper care for vulnerable migrant children in U.S. custody, especially those with pre-existing health conditions. It also reignites the broader debate over immigration enforcement policies and their human impact.