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.”

Trump endorses Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor: ‘A winner’

Trump backs Jack Ciattarelli in coveted New Jersey governor race

Fatal fall in Washington’s North Cascades kills 3, leaves 1 survivor

Florida State University alleged mass shooter appears in mugshot with disfigured face after hospital release

Far-left mayor arrested at ICE facility denies impeding law enforcement, says protest ‘absolutely’ effective

Tycoon Couple Arrested After Massive Federal Raid, Accused of Working with Cartels

Pro-Israel Americans urge Trump to ‘tread lightly’ with Qatar

Trump officials celebrate white South Africans’ arrival in DC

Major Underwater Volcano Off US Coast Is Showing Signs of Impending Eruption, Scientists Say

Fetterman Showing ‘Warning Signs,’ Dems Might Step In: Explosive Reports

Newsom calls on California cities to ban homeless encampments

Organizers Cancel Former ‘The Voice’ Contestant’s Concerts Because She Attended a Pro-Life Event

Harvard president claims ‘unfounded retaliation’ amid Trump funding feud

Federal judge allows IRS to share illegal alien data with DHS in court win for Trump

ABC prays Pope Leo XIV will ‘counter’ Trump: Liberal Media Scream

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.