In an exclusive interview with the Washington Post, an undocumented Guatemalan teen who left her newborn child in a dumpster in Houston claimed she was frightened of being deported and thus chose not to seek medical attention.
Despite safe haven rules intended to avoid such tragedies, local officials in Texas have characterized newborn abandonment instances as an epidemic, which is part of a bigger, concerning trend.
Authorities found a newborn child in a dumpster close to an apartment building in Houston in July. Security footage shows that his mother, Everilda Cux-Ajtzalam, gave birth behind a taco truck, handled the infant with trash bags, and then dumped him in a dumpster.
Cux-Ajtzalam stated in a Washington Post interview that she was not aware of her pregnancy until it was too late and that she had been raped by a relative in Houston.
The adolescent claimed that after hearing about Texas officials deporting undocumented immigrants, she did not think about visiting a clinic.
According to reports, Cux-Ajtzalam was also not aware of Texas’ safe haven provision, which permits parents to leave their infants in specific areas without worrying about facing legal repercussions.
The migrant mother could be deported and face up to 20 years in jail on felony child abandonment charges. Shortly after the tragedy, her baby—whom his rescuers named Gabriel—was put with foster parents in the area.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services reports that the number of infants abandoned in Texas increased from seven to at least 18 in 2024. The most recent instance occurred at a San Antonio Whataburger just before Christmas.
A lady trying to flush her newborn child down the toilet was found by first responders. Soon later, the infant passed away.
Citing recent incidents like a homeless mother who left her infant in a clothing donation bin and another lady who fainted during childbirth and dumped her dead baby in a garbage truck, law enforcement officials said desperation is a recurring theme.
With no exceptions for rape or incest, Texas has one of the strongest abortion restrictions in the nation. The state has the highest rate of uninsured women in the nation and routinely ranks close to the bottom for women’s health and reproductive care.
Texas politicians committed no money to promote the safe haven bill, despite spending $165 million on anti-abortion campaigns.
In addition, human rights activists argue that Gov. Greg Abbott’s mandate that hospitals monitor the expenses of treating unauthorized immigrants deters vulnerable individuals from getting medical attention.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.