Woman from China reportedly dies by suicide while in Border Patrol custody in Yuma

PHOENIX — A detained Chinese national reportedly took her own life while in a detention facility in Yuma, according to authorities.

A spokesperson with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol confirmed the death to KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.

“Each holding cell is under constant video surveillance,” the spokesperson said in an official statement. “In this case, Border Patrol’s ability to observe the incident was limited due to privacy constraints — the incident occurred in a bathroom stall where cameras were not able to capture the full angle.”

Details about death of woman in Border Patrol custody

U.S. Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington released a statement in response to the woman’s death on Wednesday.

“This detainee died by suicide, and initial reports have indicated that certain CBP procedures to ensure the safety and welfare of individuals in custody were not conducted,” Jayapal said in the statement. “There is no excuse for why agents cannot verify if some of the necessary welfare checks occurred – or why some of the documented welfare checks were incorrectly reported.”

The 52-year-old woman was detained in California after overstaying a B1/B2 visitor visa and was later transferred to Arizona until her death on March 29, according to Jayapal.

Authorities investigating death of woman in Border Patrol custody in Arizona

CBP is currently investigating the death. Additional details will be shared at a later time.

“All in-custody deaths are tragic, taken seriously, and are thoroughly investigated by CBP,” the spokesperson said.

This is a developing story.

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