ICE detainee from Mexico passes away at Colorado hospital

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A Mexican national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) since June 9 passed away Thursday at Memorial Hospital-Central (MHC) from complications due to liver and kidney failure.

Marcos Navarrette-Quintana, 37, was transferred to ICE custody from El Paso County (Colorado) Jail. On June 10 at approximately 7:45 a.m., during routine processing at the jail, the interviewing ICE agent noticed Navarrette-Quintana’s jaundice complexion and eyes, and immediately notified jail medical staff. Jail medical staff transferred him to MHC in Colorado Springs where he underwent medical tests to determine his condition. The medical tests indicated he suffered from acute kidney injury related to alcoholic cirrhosis. Navarrette-Quintana was admitted to the hospital at approximately 2 p.m. the same day.  The hospital transferred him to its intensive care unit June 13 after determining he was in total liver and kidney failure. Later on June 13, he was placed on a respirator. He was placed on full life support June 14.

Navarrette-Quintana was pronounced deceased June 18 at 4:09 p.m.  Medical personnel at the hospital determined that he died of multiple organ failure.

ICE notified the Mexican consulate and Navarrette-Quintana’s next of kin. Consistent with ICE protocols, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed.

Navarrette-Quintana illegally entered the United States around November 2000 near Douglas, Arizona. He was convicted of driving under the influence Feb. 26, 2013. On Aug. 30, 2013, a federal immigration judge ordered his removal to Mexico. On June 9, 2015, he was convicted of a parole violation and sentenced to time served.  He was transferred to ICE custody the same day.

Navarrette-Quintana is the fifth detainee to pass away in ICE custody during fiscal year 2015.