ICE detainee passes away at Florence detention facility

FLORENCE, Ariz. – A Mexican national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) passed away Monday at Florence Hospital at Anthem after collapsing outside the medical unit at ICE’s Florence Detention Center.

Juan Garcia-Hernandez, 39, was taken into ICE custody Aug. 27 after his stay of removal expired. He collapsed Monday afternoon outside the Florence Detention Center medical unit following a meeting with members of the facility’s medical staff. Efforts by Florence personnel and emergency responders to revive Garcia were unsuccessful. An autopsy is pending.

Garcia was granted a voluntary departure by the Board of Immigration Appeals March 12, 2014, requiring him to depart the U.S. within 60 days. When he failed to do so, the order of removal became administratively final. ICE granted Garcia a one-year stay of removal in June 2014 for humanitarian reasons.

After Garcia passed away, ICE immediately contacted the Mexican Consulate and coordinated with consular representatives to notify Garcia’s next of kin. Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed.

Garcia had a final order of removal and was awaiting repatriation to Mexico at the time of his death.  

Garcia is the seventh detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2015.