Both sides of the debate over the 7-year-old who died in CBP custody are insufferable – Washington Examiner

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Like most issues in politics, immigration is considered a binary one. While Republicans stress the need for an increase in border security and discuss funding a wall, Democrats see these measures as contrasting sharply with our nation’s ideals. Attempting to find a solution that will satisfy both sides is near impossible.

Last week, Jakelin Caal Maquin, a 7-year-old Guatemalan who had traveled with her family and others to the U.S., died in a Texas hospital not long after being taken into custody. According to reports, Maquin is believed to have succumbed to dehydration and shock, though a full autopsy is pending. Her life, which had barely begun, ended after a long journey to a new country.

Instantly, her story became a flashpoint. Individuals on both sides of the dialogue seized upon a narrative. Either her family and those adults who played the role of guardian were entirely to blame for her tragic death, or the United States government and, by extension, the border agents who processed her were complicit in killing. There was simply no other option. To suggest a shared responsibility, however lopsided, was seen as a lack of concern for either human life or national defense.

The fallout is predictable and exhausting.

Since Maquin’s death, it’s been reported that her father, by way of his home country’s consulate, insists she was healthy during the trip and treated well once in U.S. custody. But according to Customs and Border Protection, “the girl had not had anything to eat or drink in several days.” The confusion surrounding what really happened is bound to continue, and sadly the young girl’s story will eventually fade out of the news cycle.

Immigration has topped President Trump’s list of priorities from day one. In addition to cleaning up that swamp in Washington, many of the president’s most ardent supporters consider this to be the subject they’re most concerned in addressing. This is understandable and necessary. Americans have every right to be concerned about illegal aliens, overflowing borders, and an influx of those tied to drug cartels or terror. But while we demand change we must do so with a measure of compassion and consideration for others.

[Read more: White House says administration not responsible for death of 7-year-old migrant girl]

Conversely, Democrats are eager to blame President Trump and his administration for the tragic occurrence of Maquin’s death. Since the child passed away after interacting with border patrol, the U.S. must be at fault. This ignores that the onus is largely on the young girl’s family and other adults who were meant to oversee her health and safety. Could more have been done to help Maquin while on her ill-fated journey? Perhaps. If she was without any nourishment for several days, as the CBP says, that’s not the fault of the federal government.

As far as American involvement goes, reports paint a grim, understaffed picture:

Was Maquin overlooked in the rush to get so many illegal aliens processed? Why are there so few agents? Is there a need for more stations? These are questions worth asking. They also don’t require that you somehow believe that the U.S. killed Maquin.

The loss of a child, no matter their country of origin or family background, is a truly tragic event. It is proper to ask just how much the adults, on either side of the border, helped to watch out for her. This isn’t disparaging the many who seek a better life here. It’s also not placing fault on the outnumbered agents who help keep watch at our nation’s gates. Unfortunately, in an attempt to gain political points, many have firmly planted their feet in one camp or the other.

While I do believe that Jakelin Caal Maquin’s family shoulders much of the responsibility for her untimely passing, our immigration system factors in, too. Since the U.S. can only control one side in these situations, it must work to seriously head down a bipartisan path of improvement.

Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a senior contributor at RedState.com.

Source Article from https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/both-sides-of-the-debate-over-the-7-year-old-who-died-in-cbp-custody-are-insufferable

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