In brief
The death of Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old Mexican man in ICE custody, has sparked concern over the health conditions in immigration detention facilities. He was transferred to a hospital for surgery but was later declared dead. Investigations are underway as his family questions the circumstances leading to his death. Mexican officials are involved, ensuring a thorough investigation of the incident.
ADELANTO, Calif. (AP) — Officials are investigating the death this week of a 39-year-old Mexican man who was in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Southern California.
Ismael Ayala-Uribe was transferred Sunday from the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to a regional hospital for surgery on an abscess on his buttock, according to an ICE statement.
Hospital staff found him unresponsive and “initiated lifesaving measures” but he was declared dead around 2:30 a.m. Monday, the statement said. The cause of death is under investigation.
In addition to the abscess, Ayala-Uribe suffered from hypertension and tachycardia, an abnormally fast heart rate, according to ICE.
Federal records show that more than a dozen people have died in immigration detention since January, when immigration officials began to implement President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda.
His family stated Ayala-Uribe had high blood pressure but was otherwise healthy. His brother told the Los Angeles Times that Ayala-Uribe developed symptoms of illness shortly after his arrival at the Adelanto facility on August 22.
Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department expressed condolences and stated that the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino would follow up with authorities at the immigration detention center to ensure a thorough investigation. Mexican officials are in contact with the family to offer legal assistance and other support.
Mexico underlined its commitment to protecting and defending the human rights of its citizens abroad.
According to ICE, Ayala-Uribe entered the United States at an unknown date and location. He applied for, and received, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals protection in 2012. In 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denied his application to renew his DACA status. He had been convicted of two DUIs.
