In brief
Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old Mexican man, died in a California hospital while under ICE custody. He had been hospitalized for surgery related to an abscess and had existing health issues. The cause of death is currently under investigation, and Mexican officials have expressed condolences and are monitoring the case closely.
ADELANTO, Calif. (AP) — Authorities are looking into the death this week of Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old Mexican man who was in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Southern California.
Ayala-Uribe was transported on Sunday from the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to a local hospital for surgery concerning an abscess on his buttock, as outlined in a statement from ICE. Unfortunately, hospital staff found him unresponsive, initiating lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead around 2:30 a.m. Monday. At present, the cause of death remains under investigation.
Besides the abscess, records indicate Ayala-Uribe had suffered from hypertension and tachycardia (rapid heart rate), according to ICE.
Since January, following the implementation of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, more than a dozen detainees have reportedly died while in custody.
His family maintains he had high blood pressure but was otherwise in good health. His brother revealed to the Los Angeles Times that Ayala-Uribe began feeling ill shortly after his arrival at the Adelanto facility on August 22, presenting symptoms of a cough and fever.
Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department has extended its condolences to Ayala-Uribe's family and has indicated that the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino will work with immigration detention center authorities to ensure a thorough investigation occurs. These officials are also providing legal assistance and support to the family.
Furthermore, the Mexican government has reiterated its commitment to protecting and advocating for the human rights of its citizens abroad.
Ayala-Uribe had entered the United States at an unknown date and location and had previously received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protection in 2012. However, his application to renew DACA status was denied in 2016. He had also faced two convictions for DUI.
