A Mexican immigrant has died at a detention centre in California, becoming at least the 14th person to die in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody this year. José Guadalupe Ramos was found unconscious in his bunk at the Adelanto detention facility on 25 March.
Security staff attempted life-saving procedures, including CPR, before Ramos was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. ICE said Ramos had been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia during a medical screening in February and received daily medication.
The number of immigrants in ICE detention has reached record levels since President Donald Trump launched his mass deportation campaign. Human rights groups have raised concerns about detainee safety, with 32 migrants dying in detention last year, the highest number since 2004.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government would protest the death and take action, including filing an amicus brief in a federal lawsuit against GEO Group, the private operator of Adelanto. The lawsuit alleges inhumane treatment and medical neglect at the facility.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said a state review found “shockingly inadequate medical care” and unsafe conditions at Adelanto. GEO Group said it provides round-the-clock medical care monitored by ICE.
