Sheila Jackson Lee Demanded ‘Internal Task Force’ To Investigate Child Deaths – Then She Was Reminded It Already Exists

Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee demanded there be an “internal” DHS task force to investigate child migrant deaths, but then was informed that such an entity already exists.

“I believe there should be an internal task force set up dealing with children, dealing with children’s death,” Jackson Lee said Wednesday during a House Homeland Security hearing. She was speaking to Kevin McAleenan, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “My question to you is: Will you set up an internal in-house task force to deal with … these deaths, to find what solutions should be put in place?”

The acting DHS secretary then informed Jackson Lee that the task force she was describing already exists within the department.

“We already have internal task forces working these issues,” McAleenan responded. In response, Jackson Lee asked for the names of the individuals involved because Americans are “outraged.”

WATCH: Democrats blast Trump Saudi nuclear deal as GOP touts regional alliance

California authorities search for 2 children allegedly abducted by father, fear for their safety

At least 1 shot, 1 detained after reported active shooter at Texas mall: police

Federal appeals court rejects Trump bid to enforce mail ballot order ahead of midterm elections

Second House Discovered Related to Family With 16 ‘Almost Feral’ Children – Building Described as ‘Just Urine, Feces’

India’s education minister resigns after student protests over medical exam leaks

EXCLUSIVE: Alleged $32M COVID-19 fraud fugitive captured in Jamaica and returned to US, FBI says

Court checks Pritzker as Trump administration scores another immigration win

NYC 5-alarm fire injures at least 17 firefighters, others as blaze damages multiple apartment buildings

Katy Perry ‘appalled’ to see her song used on White House TikTok account

Biden judge blocking Ethiopian deportations despite SCOTUS ruling clashed with ICE before

Fewer Gay Professionals Feel Being Gay Helps Their Career

Trump defends New York Times subpoenas as judge seeks internal DOJ communications

State Officials Blamed Citizens for Death of Bear Stuck Atop Power Pole, but What Bystander Says She Saw Changes Everything

Maine Democrats crown Troy Jackson as Platner replacement as fresh scrutiny clouds Senate reset

The exchange follows the death of a 16-year-old Guatemalan migrant who passed away while in Border Patrol custody.

The Guatemalan boy was apprehended on May 13 for illegally crossing the U.S. border near Hidalgo, Texas. He was diagnosed with the flu and prescribed medicine Sunday after telling medical staff he didn’t feel well. However, he was found unresponsive by Monday morning while in the Weslaco Station in Texas.

Following news of the boy’s death, Customs and Border Protection immediately announced that “an independent and thorough review of the circumstances” would be conducted. The facility that housed him has since stopped taking in new migrants after a high number of detainees began reporting flu-like symptoms.

The boy’s death — the fifth in Border Patrol custody since December — has sparked renewed outrage from Democratic lawmakers.

McAleenan said that DHS is already working to beef up medical resources to better accommodate the huge influx of families and children arriving at the border, informing Jackson Lee that 55 medical professionals are “on board” in El Paso alone to care for migrants.