Lawmakers in Southern California are raising serious concerns regarding the rising deaths in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Recently, two residents from Orange County were among the 25 individuals who died while detained this year, marking a concerning increase in mortality rates within these facilities. The alarming figures have prompted U.S. Representatives Dave Min (D-Irvine) and Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) to demand accountability from Homeland Security officials.
Record Death Toll in ICE Custody
As of October 2023, the number of in-custody deaths has reached its highest level since ICE began tracking these statistics in 2018.
- 25 people have died in ICE custody this year.
- Two recent victims were Mexican immigrants from Orange County.
Min and Chu’s letter addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlights not only the numbers but the human stories behind them. They emphasized that these are not mere statistics but lives lost, affecting families and communities.
Details of the Recent Deaths
Ismael Ayala-Uribe, aged 39, passed away on September 22, shortly after his apprehension while employed at the Fountain Valley Auto Wash. He had lived in Westminster since childhood and had been protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program until his application failed to renew in 2016.
Concerns have been raised that Ayala-Uribe received inadequate medical care while in custody. After initially being returned to his dormitory despite his deteriorating health, he was moved to the Victor Valley Global Medical Center. Unfortunately, he died awaiting surgery for an untreated abscess.
Similarly, Gabriel Garcia-Aviles, 56, died shortly after being detained for an outstanding warrant. Arrested on October 14 in Santa Ana, he was sent to the Adelanto Processing Center before being hospitalized for suspected alcohol withdrawal. His family felt the impact of this lack of communication and timely medical intervention, discovering his condition only when it was nearly too late.
Addressing Systemic Issues
The lawmakers’ letter, co-signed by 43 additional representatives, called into question ICE’s compliance with detention standards. They pointed out a worrying pattern of negligence and urged for immediate action.
- ICE’s ability to provide basic medical care is under scrutiny.
- The need for humane treatment of detained immigrants is pressing.
Min and Chu’s advocacy underscores a broader concern about immigration detention centers. With a significant increase in detainee numbers since the expansion of enforcement under previous administrations, lawmakers are focusing on the adequacy of medical care across these facilities.
As frustrations mount, the need for reform in the treatment of immigrants in custody has never been clearer. The families affected call for accountability and compassion in addressing the challenges posed by these custodial deaths.
