Two employees of the Eagle Pass Day Care Center have been arrested following a disturbing incident in which a 2‑year‑old child was left alone inside a daycare van for roughly four hours on a hot Texas day. The Eagle Pass Police Department disclosed that the investigation began in May 2026 after the child was discovered unattended.
Arrests and Charges
Jajaira Maria Hernandez, 33, and Samaria Denise Jimenez, 46, were booked into the Tom Bowles Detention Center on Friday. Hernandez faces a state felony charge of abandoning or endangering a child, as well as a third‑degree felony for tampering with physical evidence. Her bond was set at $50,000. Jimenez is charged with a third‑degree felony for tampering with physical evidence and a Class A misdemeanor for failure to report a felony; her bond was set at $40,000.
Investigation Details
According to police, the van was part of the day‑care’s transportation fleet. The child was discovered after the vehicle was inspected following a tip from a concerned community member. The investigation was supported by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Potential Licensing Action
The Eagle Pass Police Department indicated that all findings will be forwarded to the state licensing agency for further review. The agency will determine whether additional actions, such as fines, suspension, or revocation of the day‑care’s operating license, are warranted.
Community Response
Local parents expressed shock and concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of vigilant supervision and strict adherence to child‑safety protocols. Many called for increased oversight of child‑care providers and more robust background checks for employees who transport children.
Next Steps
The two arrested individuals are scheduled for a preliminary hearing later this month. The state licensing agency is expected to issue a public statement regarding any immediate measures it will take to protect children in the Eagle Pass area.
Authorities continue to remind families to report any suspicious activity involving child‑care services and to ensure that transportation vehicles are never left unattended with children inside, especially during the hot summer months.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
