By: Ashmar Mandou
Alarming questions and concerns continue to ring out following the death of 5-year-old migrant Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero and the reported illnesses in other children living at a Pilsen warehouse on Cermak Road and Halsted Street. Martinez was a resident at the shelter where he suffered a medical emergency and was transported to Comer Children’s Hospital on Sunday where he was pronounced dead.
“We are saddened at the tragic death of 5-year-old Jean Carlos Martinez, who was living in the temporary shelter at 2241 S. Halsted Street. Initial reports indicate that the child was suffering from a medical emergency and passed away shortly after arriving to Comer Children’s Hospital. City officials are providing support to the family and are still gathering information on this tragedy,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement to media. “My heart and my prayers go out to the Martinez family. The City will continue to provide resources and support to them during this difficult time.”
Community activists as well as medical professionals raised concerns over the past months over the new arrivals facing numerous health issues due to their arduous journey and living in crowded group settings where infections spread quickly. Six more people living in the shelter — four children and two adults — were hospitalized for illnesses this week, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
“We mourn the death of Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero and share our condolences with his family. We call for accountability and full transparency on the results of the investigations into his death and Favorite Healthcare Staffing’s management of the migrant shelter where he was living, an audit of all the migrant shelters, and greater access to the shelters by volunteer advocates and service providers,” said the Illinois Lation Agenda (ILA). “The shelters should be a safe haven for migrants as they look for opportunities to make Chicago their home. We stand firm in demanding justice and accountability, and will continue advocating that our city leaders prioritize the safety and dignity of all of our newest neighbors who place their trust in shelter administrators.”
According to the City of Chicago, an investigation is ongoing and any changes to safety protocols for staff will be made based on the findings. Many new arrivals receive catch-up vaccinations during their scheduled medical encounters at the Cook County Health Belmont Cragin migrant clinic, as well as from other Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other providers caring for new arrivals. The Chicago Department of Public Health continues to support shelter-based care through its partners, including on-site screenings, infection prevention, and vaccinations.
