Haitian Man Dies in US Immigration Custody with Untreated Toothache

Brother says Emmanuel Damas' tooth infection was left untreated for months before his death.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A 56-year-old Haitian man named Emmanuel Damas died at an Arizona hospital on Monday after being held for months at an immigration detention center where his complaints of a toothache were allegedly ignored, according to his brother Presly Nelson. Damas is one of at least nine people who have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody so far this year.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about medical care and treatment of immigrants in US detention facilities, with advocates arguing that preventable deaths like Damas' should not be occurring in a country with access to quality healthcare.

The details

Damas told medical staff at the Florence Correctional Center about his toothache in mid-February, but was not sent to a dentist. His brother believes the staff did not take his complaints seriously, even though the condition was treatable. Damas was held at the medium-security facility for several months after his asylum application was denied.

  • Damas reported his toothache to medical staff in mid-February 2026.
  • Damas died at a hospital on March 2, 2026.

The players

Emmanuel Damas

A 56-year-old Haitian man who died in US immigration custody after his toothache went untreated.

Presly Nelson

Emmanuel Damas' brother, who spoke out about his brother's death and lack of medical care.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The US government agency responsible for Damas' detention and care.

CoreCivic

The for-profit corrections company that runs the Florence Correctional Center where Damas was held.

Christine Ellis

A Haitian American Chandler City Council member and registered nurse who was contacted by Damas' family after his death.

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What they’re saying

“As a country — I'm an American now — I think we can do better than that.”

— Presly Nelson, Emmanuel Damas' brother

“As a medical person, I am absolutely appalled that there were medical-licensed people that were working there and allowed those things to happen. It does not make sense to me.”

— Christine Ellis, Chandler City Council member and registered nurse

What’s next

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office is still investigating the cause of Damas' death, which was listed as 'pending' as of Wednesday.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for improved medical care and oversight in US immigration detention facilities to prevent preventable deaths like Emmanuel Damas'. Advocates argue that no one should die from a treatable condition while in government custody.