Tragic Death of Cuban Immigrant in ICE Custody Raises Alarming Questions

Krome Detention Center, Miami, Florida, USA - In a heartbreaking turn of events, Isidro Pérez, a 75-year-old Cuban immigrant, has died while under the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida. This sad incident took place on June 26, 2025, after Pérez was transferred to Kendall Hospital following complaints of chest pain. His death marks a troubling trend, as it is the tenth such incident involving ICE in 2025 and notably the fifth in Florida alone, as AS reports.

Pérez had spent nearly six decades in the United States after arriving in 1966. Although he was released on parole following two drug possession convictions in the 1980s, his legal troubles resurfaced this June. He was arrested on June 5, 2025, for „inadmissibility“ under immigration laws while attempting to gather food near Key Largo. This arrest led to his detention at the Krome detention center, where he reportedly suffered from multiple health issues, including unstable angina.

Conditions of Detention

According to his ex-partner, María Adánez, conditions at the Krome center were far from ideal. She noted that Pérez slept on the floor, felt cold, and did not receive proper medical attention during his stay. He was diagnosed with serious medical concerns shortly after his arrival, leading to a hospital admission on June 17. Despite once being hospitalized, he was discharged on June 25, only to return to the hospital the very next day when his health took another drastic turn. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at 8:42 p.m. on June 26, just a day after his discharge, which raises serious questions about the level of care he received while in detention, as highlighted by CiberCuba.

The family suspects that the stress of potential deportation to Cuba may have worsened his health, contributing to his tragic death. They expressed concerns about how detainees are treated, particularly regarding medical care. In response to his death, ICE has indicated they will provide a formal report within 90 days, as required by their protocols.

Wider Implications

This incident is part of a broader pattern of deaths under ICE custody. A study focusing on mortality rates between FY2021-2023 showed a total of 12 deaths during that period, including instances of cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies. Interestingly, this reflects a decrease from previous years, where mortality rates were notably higher. Yet, the study cautions that these reported deaths may still underestimate the true number of fatalities associated with ICE detention, as highlighted by findings in PubMed.

The current situation surrounding Isidro Pérez serves as a painful reminder of the complexities faced by immigrants in the United States, particularly those in detention. As local communities grapple with the implications of immigration policies, questions about dignity, safety, and health care for detainees remain critical. How many more stories like Isidro’s will emerge before these issues are addressed at a systemic level?