Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian national under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, has died at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida. Blaise was pronounced dead on April 25 at 8:35 p.m. The cause of her death is currently being investigated.
Blaise entered the United States without official admission or parole at an unspecified time and location. On February 12, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered Blaise at Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as she attempted to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. The same day, CBP issued her a Notice of Expedited Removal due to her inadmissibility as an immigrant lacking a valid visa. Two days later, Blaise was transferred into ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) custody in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On February 21, she was moved to Richwood Correctional Center in Oakdale, Louisiana, under the supervision of ERO New Orleans. On April 5, Blaise was transferred again to the Broward Transitional Center in Florida under the custody of ERO Miami.
Following protocol, ERO Miami informed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility of Blaise's death. Notifications were also sent to the Consulate of Haiti in Miami, Florida.
ICE adheres to policy requirements by informing Congress, nongovernmental organizations, and the media when reporting a detainee's death. A news release with details is posted on the ICE public website within two business days, and comprehensive reports are made publicly available within 90 days, as mandated by the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018.
ICE emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a safe and humane environment for detainees. The agency assures that detainees have access to comprehensive medical care, including medical, dental, and mental health screenings and 24-hour emergency care. ICE states that emergency medical care will be provided as needed without delay.
