ICE detainee passes away at Georgia medical center

ATLANTA - A 54-year-old El Salvadoran national being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) passed away late Thursday evening at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Ga.

Miguel Hernandez was being detained by ICE at the North Georgia Detention Center (NGDC) in Gainesville while going through removal proceedings. Hernandez entered ICE custody on Wednesday, April 27, after being encountered by 287(g) officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in Charlotte, N.C.

Hernandez had been taken to the hospital earlier in the day on Thursday for a scheduled medical appointment for evaluation and treatment of a blood clot. He was returned to NGDC following that appointment. Hernandez collapsed later that evening and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:45 p.m.

ICE has notified El Salvadoran consular officials, who have notified Hernandez's next of kin.

Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed.

Hernandez is the eighth detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2011.