Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Relations (SRE) has demanded that U.S. authorities conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of a Mexican citizen in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California on September 22.
According to an official ICE statement, the deceased, Ismael Ayala-Uribe, 39, was pronounced dead at approximately 2:32 a.m. at Victor Valley Global Medical Center, after being transferred from the detention center for medical evaluation.
Ayala-Uribe had been arrested on August 17 during an immigration enforcement operation and transferred to the Adelanto Processing Center on August 22. Authorities reported he had a history of hypertension and tachycardia and was referred to a local hospital the day before his death for a surgical procedure to treat an abscess.
In response, Mexico issued a formal diplomatic note expressing concern about potential human rights violations inside U.S. immigration detention centers. The Ministry demanded that the causes of death be clarified, ICE’s medical protocols be reviewed, and accountability ensured.
The Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino confirmed it will closely follow the investigation with ICE authorities and is in contact with the deceased’s family to provide legal and consular support.
This case adds to a troubling trend of deaths in ICE custody. A joint report by the American Civil Liberties Union, Physicians for Human Rights, and American Oversight reviewed 52 deaths between 2017 and 2021, concluding that at least 95% of these deaths could have been prevented with adequate medical care.
Moreover, deaths in ICE custody have been rising. In fiscal year 2025, multiple fatalities have already been reported in different detention centers.
The Mexican government reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of Mexicans abroad and pledged to take all necessary diplomatic measures to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Ayala-Uribe’s death are fully clarified and that justice is served.
Related: Mexico Demands Full Investigation After ICE Agent Kills Mexican National in Illinois
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
