HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Chinese woman dies by suicide at Yuma Border Patrol station

Apr 7, 2025 · Yuma, Arizona, China

A 52-year-old Chinese woman died by suicide while detained at the Yuma Border Patrol station in Arizona after overstaying her B-1/B-2 visitor visa. She was initially detained in California and transferred to Yuma. Surveillance footage documented the incident, showing she created a noose. CBP records indicate required welfare checks were not properly conducted or were falsely documented, and medical intervention did not occur for nearly two hours after she was found unresponsive. Representative Pramila Jayapal called for accountability regarding CBP's failure to follow detainee safety procedures.

Timeline

Apr 7, 2025Incident reported: Chinese woman died by suicide at Yuma Border Patrol station after overstaying visitor visa; welfare checks not properly conducted and medical response delayed nearly two hours
Apr 2, 2025Representative Jayapal issued statement calling for accountability following the death

Sources

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