The priorities of the Border Patrol are being called into question after a 10 year old girl with cerebral palsy was singled out for detention while she was in an ambulance on her way to undergo surgery at a Corpus Christi hospital, and then referred for potential deportation as soon as she was released, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"This apprehension occurred despite the fact that the 'Sensitive Locations Policy' is still in effect," U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) told News Radio 1200 WOAI.
The policy involves not making apprehensions at places like schools and hosptials.
RosaMaria Hernendez was on her way in an ambulance from Laredo to the hospital to undergo surgery for a ruptured gallbladder. When the agents heard she is not a citizen, Border Patrol vehicles actually followed her to the hospital, and were waiting to detain her when she was discharged.
Castro says this is not what Border Patrol agents are charged to do.
"Instead of using resources to protect communities, Border Patrol is using resources to detain a 10 year old girl who is very ill."
Castro says the Border Patrol should be detaining criminal immigrants and those who pose a danger to neighborhoods.
"ICE has the discretion to release RosaMaria at any time, and they are choosing not to do so," he said.
The Border Patrol said in a statement "The agency has a duty to enforce immigration law."
Advocates said RosaMaria came to the U.S. when she was three months old with her illegal immigrant parents and qualifies for the DACA program, although it is now known whether she is enrolled in the program.