ICE detainee passes away at Memorial Hermann Medical Center

HOUSTON - A Mexican national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since Jan. 6 passed away on Jan. 13 at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center as a result of natural causes.

On Jan. 6, 2011, Juan Palomo-Rodriguez, 30, was transferred to ICE custody from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). On Jan. 10, Mr. Rodriguez began vomiting and became disoriented. Mr. Rodriguez was transported to Memorial Hermann Medical Center for evaluation. Doctors determined that Mr. Rodriguez had a mass in his brain that hemorrhaged. The preliminary diagnosis is that leukemia caused the brain mass.

Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed. ICE has notified Mexico consular officials and next of kin.

Rodriguez is the fourth detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2011.