ICE detainee passes away at Victorville hospital
Mexican national was being treated for pneumonia
VICTORVILLE, Calif. — A Mexican national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) passed away Sunday morning at Victor Valley Community Hospital where he had been undergoing treatment for pneumonia.
Fernando Dominguez-Valivia, 58, originally came into ICE custody Nov. 23, 2011, following his release from the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga where he had been detained on local charges. Dominguez also had prior criminal convictions for forgery and theft. On February 16, he was transferred to Victor Valley Community Hospital after developing pneumonia. Dominguez, who had been under a physician's care since his admission to the hospital, passed away March 4 shortly after 5:30 a.m.
Medical records indicate Dominguez had a history of heart trouble for which he had been receiving treatment since coming into ICE custody. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine his exact cause of death.
ICE notified Dominguez's next of kin and the Mexican consulate. Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed.
Dominguez is the sixth detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2012.
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