Abelardo Avelleneda-Delgado, a 68-year-old Mexican national in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, passed away on May 5 at 1:25 p.m. ET, as pronounced by medical professionals at the Webster County Coroner. The cause of death is under investigation.
Avelleneda became unresponsive around 12:35 p.m. ET during transport from Lowndes County Jail to Stewart Detention Center. TransCor contract security personnel called emergency services for evaluation.
Avelleneda entered the United States without admission or parole on an unknown date and place. Since 1979, he faced multiple arrests by various law enforcement agencies. An immigration judge ordered his removal to Mexico on December 19, 1990, in Florence, Arizona; he waived appeal and was deported that same day. He reentered the country again on an unspecified date and location.
His latest arrest occurred on April 9, 2025, by the Echols County Sheriff’s Office in Statenville, Georgia, for a probation violation on local charges. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Atlanta encountered him at Lowndes County Jail on April 10 and lodged an immigration detainer with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
In line with ICE policy, ERO Atlanta notified relevant authorities including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center. They also informed the Consulate of Mexico in Atlanta about Avelleneda’s death.
ICE follows protocol to notify Congress, nongovernmental organizations stakeholders, and media upon reporting a detained individual's death officially within two business days through its public website. Reports regarding an in-custody death are made public within 90 days per congressional requirements outlined in the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018.
ICE emphasizes its commitment to ensuring detainees reside in safe environments with comprehensive medical care provided from arrival throughout their stay. All individuals receive medical screenings within hours of detention facility entry and have access to ongoing health assessments and emergency care as needed.
