In brief
Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old Mexican national, died while in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being transferred to a hospital for treatment of an abscess. His family claims he was healthy before his detention, raising questions about his care while incarcerated. ICE reports that his death is under investigation, and advocacy groups are calling for thorough transparency in the case. Mexico's Foreign Relations Department has extended condolences and will ensure support for the family.
ADELANTO, Calif. (AP) — Officials are investigating the death this week of 39-year-old Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a Mexican man who was under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Southern California.
Ayala-Uribe was transferred on Sunday from the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to a regional hospital to undergo surgery for an abscess on his buttock. According to an ICE statement, hospital staff found him unresponsive, and despite attempts to administer lifesaving measures, he was pronounced dead around 2:30 a.m. Monday. The exact cause of death is currently under investigation.
ICE further reported that Ayala-Uribe had a history of hypertension and tachycardia, issues that he faced while in custody. His family asserts that he had maintained good health prior to his detention. His brother informed the Los Angeles Times that Ayala-Uribe began showing symptoms of illness, including a cough and fever, shortly after his arrival at the Adelanto facility on August 22.
According to federal records, Ayala-Uribe's death is among more than a dozen fatalities reported in immigration detention facilities this year, amid intensified immigration policies.
The Mexican Foreign Relations Department has offered condolences to the family and indicated that the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino will ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Officials have also pledged to support the family by providing legal assistance and necessary help.
ICE has noted that Ayala-Uribe entered the United States at an unspecified date and location. He received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protection in 2012, but his renewal was denied in 2016 due to prior DUI convictions.
As the investigation continues, advocacy groups and human rights organizations are calling for increased scrutiny and transparency regarding the treatment of individuals in immigration detention.
