ICE detainee passes away at New Jersey hospital

NEWARK, N.J. – A Honduran national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) died Monday at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.

Luis Alonso Fino Martinez, 54, was taken from the Essex County Detention Facility to University Hospital via ambulance June 13. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Fino Martinez’ preliminary cause of death is unknown at this time pending an autopsy.

Fino Martinez entered ICE custody June 12, 2015, from the Northern State Prison in Newark after serving a prison term for felony convictions of weapons possession and attempted murder. At the time of his death, his immigration case was under appeal.

Consistent with ICE protocol, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and ICE Office of Professional Responsibility were notified of the death as were appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies. ICE is working with Honduran consular officials to notify his family in Honduras.

Fino Martinez is the eighth ICE detainee to pass away in fiscal year 2016.