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February 1, 2011Orange, CA, United StatesDetainee Death Notifications

ICE detainee passes away at University of California Medical Center

ORANGE, Calif. - A Honduran national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since Jan. 12 passed away on Jan. 31 due to cardiac arrest at the University of California Irvine (UCI) Medical Center.

On Jan. 12, Jose Aguilar-Espinoza, was arrested by ICE and detained at Theo Lacy while going through removal proceedings. On Jan. 31, the 55-year-old went into cardiac arrest at the jail, and was immediately transferred to UCI Medical Center's emergency room where he died a short time later.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.

Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have been informed. ICE has also notified the Honduran consulate and Aguilar-Espinoza's next of kin.

Aguilar-Espinoza is the fifth detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2011.

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