Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old Mexican national who was in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, died on March 16 at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven. He was pronounced dead at 2:51 a.m.
According to officials, Perez was found unconscious and unresponsive by a detention officer at approximately 2:34 a.m. Staff immediately called for medical assistance and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Two medical personnel arrived within minutes, confirmed he had no pulse, and continued CPR while requesting emergency medical services. Moore Haven Fire Rescue EMS responded around 2:42 a.m. and initiated further life-sustaining measures.
Authorities said Perez's death is presumed to be a suicide, but the official cause remains under investigation.
Perez had been arrested on January 22 by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office on charges of felony fraud for impersonation and misdemeanor resisting an officer. An immigration detainer was placed on him that same day, leading to his transfer into ICE custody on February 21 and subsequent relocation to Glades County Detention Center on February 26. During intake screening, medical staff evaluated Perez; he denied any behavioral health issues or concerns and answered "no" to all suicide screening questions.
Perez first entered the United States on February 19, 2022, when he was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol and voluntarily returned to Mexico that same day. He later reentered the country illegally on an unknown date.
Consistent with policy, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations notified the Department of Homeland Security, its Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center, as well as the Mexican consulate and Perez’s next of kin or designated contact.
ICE stated it makes official notifications regarding in-custody deaths to Congress, nongovernmental organizations stakeholders, and media outlets upon confirmation of such incidents. Reports are posted publicly within required timeframes according to congressional requirements described in the DHS Appropriations Act of 2018.
The agency said it is committed to providing safe environments for those in custody with comprehensive medical care available from arrival through their stay.
