Chaofeng Ge, a 32-year-old citizen of China, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. The Clearfield County coroner pronounced Ge deceased at approximately 6:03 a.m. on August 5. The cause of death is currently under investigation.
Ge had been detained for five days and was awaiting a hearing before the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. According to ICE, staff at the facility found Ge hanging by the neck and unresponsive in the shower room of his detention pod at 5:21 a.m. Staff immediately lowered him to the ground, began CPR, and contacted local emergency services including Phillipsburg Emergency Medical Services, Pennsylvania State Police, and the coroner’s office.
Prior to entering ICE custody, Ge was arrested by the Lower Paxton Township Police Department on January 23 for criminal use of a communication facility, unlawful use of a computer, and access device fraud. ICE Philadelphia’s Enforcement and Removal Operations York sub-office lodged an immigration detainer with Dauphin County Prison on January 24.
Ge pleaded guilty on July 31 to accessing a device issued to another without authorization and conspiracy to commit that offense. He received sentences of six to twelve months for each count but was granted immediate release into ICE custody due to an existing detainer. ERO York processed him before transferring him to Moshannon Valley Processing Center.
Following agency policy after an in-custody death, ERO notified several entities including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via its Integrity Coordination Center, as well as providing notification to the Chinese Embassy.
ICE stated that official notifications are made to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders, and media following confirmation of a detainee's death. A news release is posted on the ICE public website within two business days per agency guidelines. Congressional requirements from the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018 also mandate that all reports regarding in-custody deaths be made public within ninety days; these reports are available on the Detainee Death Reporting page.
ICE emphasized its commitment “to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments.” According to agency statements: “Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility, access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. At no time during detention is a detained illegal alien denied emergent care.”
