Costa Rican immigrant died while in ICE custody, agency says
A 36-year-old immigrant from Costa Rica died last week in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, according to an agency notification sent to lawmakers on Monday.
Carlos Josue Marchena-Marchena was found unresponsive Sept. 18 at the Winnfield Correctional Center in Louisiana, according to ICE.
"Upon arrival at WPMC, medical staff and EMS continued resuscitative efforts," ICE said in its notification to Congress. "Despite life-saving efforts, at approximately 8 a.m., an on-site physician at WPMC pronounced Marchena deceased."
Marchena is the 55th person to die in ICE custody during the second Trump administration -- the 25th person to die in ICE detention this year -- and the second person to die at the detention facility in Louisiana this year, according to ABC News' analysis of ICE data.
"While in custody, Marchena received proper medical care and was seen by medical professionals," ICE said.
The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that ICE officers arrested the 36-year-old Marchena for entering the U.S. without inspection in 2021.
According to DHS, Marchena has convictions for retail fraud and destruction of personal property and an arrest for assault, however, ABC News has not verified this claim from the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS said Marchena received proper medical care while in custody.
"ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout their stay," the agency said in a statement.
Attorney information for Marchena was not immediately available.
An ABC News analysis of ICE data and the number of detainee deaths provided to Congress from ICE found the first 14 months of the second Trump administration represent the most deadly period for the federal detention system in recent years, with the exception of 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic contributed to detention deaths
