Mexico City, Mexico — The Government of Mexico says all diplomatic and legal means will be used to investigate a death. The Government said Thursday that a Mexican national died while in ICE custody.
It is reported that a Mexican national has tragically died while detained at the Glades County Detention Center in Florida, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
This county-run facility operates under an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the custody of individuals detained for immigration-related offenses.
The Government of Mexico reiterates its unacceptable stance on these deaths and again demands a prompt and thorough investigation by immigration authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding this death, determine responsibility and establish effective guarantees of non-repetition.
The Consulate General of Mexico in Miami activated the corresponding consular protocol, visited the detention center in question, and will continue to take the necessary steps to provide consular assistance and support to the families.
Through this representation, the reports and documentation required for a full clarification of the facts have been formally requested. U.S. authorities have indicated that the case is currently under investigation.
The appropriate diplomatic efforts will be undertaken to actively urge the U.S. federal government to address the conditions that facilitate these types of regrettable events. All possible legal avenues will be used to ensure support for the families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its commitment to ensuring the protection and dignity of Mexican citizens in the United States and will not hesitate to use all available legal and diplomatic resources to defend the rights of its community abroad.
On March 18, the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement reported on the death of 19 year old Royer Perez-Jimenez.
“Royer Perez-Jimenez 19, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico who was arrested and charged with misdemeanor fraud for impersonation and resisting an officer, passed away March 16 at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven. He was pronounced deceased at 2:51 a.m.
“At approximately 2:34 a.m., a Glades County detention officer on duty found Perez unconscious and unresponsive. They immediately called a medical emergency in the dormitory and staff started cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
“Two medical personnel responded a couple of minutes later, determined Perez to be without a pulse, and took over CPR. They requested emergency medical services. At approximately 2:42 a.m., Moore Haven Fire Rescue EMS arrived at the Glades County Detention Center and initiated life-sustaining interventions on Perez.
“He died of a presumed suicide; however, the official cause of his death remains under investigation.
“On Jan. 21, Perez was arrested by the Edgewater Police Department, taken to the Volusia County Jail, and charged with fraud for impersonation and misdemeanor resisting an officer. ICE placed an immigration detainer on him Jan. 22, and he was transferred into ICE custody on Feb. 21.
“He was subsequently moved to Glades County Detention Center on Feb. 26. At intake, Perez was evaluated by medical staff. He denied any behavioral health issues or concerns and answered “no” to all suicide screening questions.
“Perez initially entered the United States Feb. 19, 2022. He was encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol and granted a voluntary return to Mexico on the same day. On an unknown date, he illegally reentered the United States, a federal felony.
“Consistent with ICE policy, ERO notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center.
“ERO has notified the Mexico consulate in accordance with international and domestic laws and notified his next of kin or other designated contact.”
He is the second Mexican national to die in U.S. ICE custody this year. In February, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported 48 year old Alberto Gutierrez-Reyes died at Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville.
