ICE detainee passes away at Houston hospital

HOUSTON – A Mexican national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) since Nov. 4 passed away on Dec. 19 at Northeast Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston.

In early November, Ricardo Rojas-Hernandez came into ICE custody after being released from a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility, following the completion of an 18-month criminal sentence.

On Dec. 19, Rojas-Hernandez, 53, was transferred from the Houston Contract Detention Facility to the hospital. While en route, Rojas-Hernandez passed away. A preliminary medical report indicates the cause of death was cardiac pulmonary arrest.

ICE notified the Mexican consulate, who notified Rojas-Hernandez's next of kin. Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed.

Rojas-Hernandez is the fourth detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2012.