Maksym Chernyak, a 44-year-old Ukrainian national held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), died at HCA Kendall Hospital in Miami on February 20. The preliminary cause of death was reported as brain bleeding.
Chernyak had been hospitalized since February 18 after being transported by Miami Dade Fire Rescue due to vomiting and seizures. Upon admission, medical staff issued a stroke alert due to his unresponsive state. A CT scan revealed brain bleeding, leading to intubation and administration of intravenous medications. On February 19, medical staff began the brain death protocol following a massive intracranial hemorrhage.
Chernyak entered the United States on August 24, 2024, as a Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee with permission to stay until August 23, 2026. ICE encountered him on January 26 at Broward County Jail in Ft. Lauderdale after an arrest for battery with bodily harm and lodged an immigration detainer. He was transferred to ICE custody on February 2 and taken to the Krome Service and Processing Center.
Following standard procedures, ICE notified relevant authorities about Chernyak's death, including the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. His attorney was also informed as there is no listed next of kin.
In line with agency policy, ICE issues official notifications regarding detainee deaths to Congress, nongovernmental organizations, stakeholders, and the media within two business days. These details are available on the ICE.gov Newsroom. Additionally, reports concerning in-custody deaths must be made public within 90 days as per congressional requirements outlined in the DHS appropriations bill of 2018.
ICE emphasizes its commitment to providing safe environments for those in custody along with comprehensive medical care from arrival through their stay. All detainees receive initial health screenings within hours of arrival at detention facilities and have access to ongoing medical services including emergency care.
