ICE detainee dies at Utah hospital

SALT LAKE CITY — A 38-year-old Mexican national who was being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) pending his removal from the United States died Saturday morning at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo.

Santiago Sierra-Sanchez was taken to the hospital early Saturday morning after Utah County Jail officials found him unresponsive in the jail's medical unit. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he was declared dead by doctors at approximately 4:20 a.m. The official cause of death will be determined by the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.

Sierra-Sanchez came to ICE custody July 11 after being identified by ERO officers as a previously deported criminal alien while he was being held on local charges in Salt Lake County. Following his arrest by ICE, Sierra-Sanchez was screened by medical professionals at the Utah County Jail, ICE's contracted detention facility. At that time, he complained of back pain and was placed under medical observation. According to jail officials, he did not report any other medical conditions.

Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed. ICE is working with Mexican consular officials to notify his family in Mexico.

Sierra-Sanchez is the fifth detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2014.