Chinese National Dies by Suicide in U.S. Border Patrol Custody in Arizona

A 52-year-old Chinese woman has died by suicide while in the custody of U.S. Border Patrol at a detention facility in Yuma, Arizona. The incident occurred on March 29, days after the woman was apprehended near Needles, California, for overstaying her B1/B2 visitor visa.

Border Patrol officials stated that the woman was arrested alongside a 38-year-old Chinese man during a vehicle stop on March 26. Authorities reported the seizure of more than $220,000 in cash, allegedly linked to illegal activity, although no formal charges have been disclosed.

The woman was transferred to the Yuma Sector detention facility, where she later died in custody. The incident was not publicly acknowledged by officials until questions were raised by the media.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal confirmed the death in a statement, calling for immediate transparency and a full investigation. Advocacy groups have also raised concerns about detainee safety, access to mental health care, and compliance with federal protocols on reporting in-custody deaths.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not released the woman’s identity. The agency is expected to conduct an internal review while external calls for oversight continue to grow.

This case adds to a series of incidents involving in-custody deaths at U.S. immigration facilities, highlighting ongoing concerns surrounding detention conditions and the treatment of non-citizens.