Isidro Perez, a 75-year-old Cuban national, died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 26 at HCA Kendall Florida Hospital. The cause of death is under investigation.
Perez was detained at the Krome Service Processing Center's Medical Housing Unit when he reported chest pains around 7 p.m. Miami Dade Rescue responded and initiated life-saving measures, including an Automated External Defibrillator shock and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He was then taken to Kendall Florida Hospital for further treatment but was pronounced dead at 8:42 p.m.
ICE had arrested Perez on June 5, charging him with inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act during a law enforcement action in Key Largo. He was transferred to Krome Service Processing Center on June 6 and diagnosed with several medical issues upon intake. On June 17, he was admitted to Larkin Community Hospital due to unstable angina/esquimes changes on his EKG and discharged on June 25.
Perez entered the United States in Houston on April 1, 1966. He had prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance in February 1981 and January 1984 by the United States Court for the Southern District of Florida.
In line with ICE policy, the agency's Enforcement and Removal Operations informed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility through its Integrity Coordination Center about Perez's death. The Consulate of Cuba received telephone notification.
ICE provides official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organizations, stakeholders, and media following an official report of a detainee's death. This information is available on ICE's public website within two business days as per agency policy. Reports regarding in-custody deaths are made public within 90 days according to congressional requirements outlined in the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018.
The agency emphasizes its commitment to maintaining safe environments for individuals in custody, providing comprehensive medical care from arrival throughout their stay. Detainees receive medical screenings within hours of arrival at detention facilities and have access to health assessments, appointments, and emergency care as needed.
