In brief
Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old Mexican national, passed away in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following surgery for an abscess. The cause of death remains under investigation. Ayala-Uribe, who reportedly suffered from hypertension and tachycardia, was declared dead in the hospital where he was taken for treatment. His family indicates he was otherwise healthy prior to his detention. Mexico's Foreign Relations Department has expressed condolences and will ensure a thorough investigation.
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 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, in light of President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda.Family members claimed Ayala-Uribe had high blood pressure but was otherwise healthy. His brother reported to the Los Angeles Times that Ayala-Uribe got sick with a cough and fever shortly after arriving at the Adelanto facility on August 22.Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department offered condolences to the family and stated that the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino would ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of death. They are in contact with the family to provide legal assistance and other support.According to ICE, Ayala-Uribe entered the United States at an unknown date and location, applied for and received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protection in 2012. His DACA status renewal was denied in 2016, following two DUI convictions.
