Update, Mar. 10, 11:31 a.m.: This story has been updated to include a response from the Department of Homeland Security
A man who was recently released from custody at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center has died. Immigrant rights advocates say it’s the second death connected to the facility in two weeks.
The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice says 44-year-old Irvin Cruz-Nape was arrested by federal agents last September and later detained at Adelanto. Advocates shared Cruz-Nape was released on bond in late February. His civil rights attorney, Madelaine Behr, confirmed that Cruz-Nape was no longer in custody when he died on March 4.
Esmeralda Santos, an organizer with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, said Cruz-Nape’s family told advocates he experienced chest pains and symptoms consistent with a heart attack while in custody and was denied medical treatment.
“Irvin lived in Montclair for 20 years and has four children here,” Santos said. “His family wants answers to understand exactly what happened while he was detained inside Adelanto.”
Homeland Security Deputy Assistant Lauren Bis said in a statement that Cruz-Nape was released on February 13, while his deportation case proceeded. She also said that during detention, Cruz-Nape refused a sick call after requesting to be seen by medical staff.
Cruz-Nape’s death comes after another recent death connected to the Adelanto facility. In late February, 48-year-old Alberto Gutierrez Reyes died after being transferred from the detention center to a Victorville hospital for chest pain and shortness of breath, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
His family and immigrant rights advocates said Gutierrez Reyes had repeatedly asked for medical care while detained. ICE officials shared he was evaluated by medical staff before being transported to the hospital.
The Adelanto ICE Processing Center has faced years of scrutiny from immigrant rights groups, attorneys and federal lawmakers over detainee treatment, access to medical care and conditions inside the privately operated facility. Members of Congress have also pushed for greater oversight of immigration detention facilities, including Adelanto, arguing that lawmakers must be able to conduct unannounced visits to monitor conditions.
In response, DHS has said that it's "longstanding practice" to provide comprehensive medical care from the time a person enters ICE custody.
