Congresswoman Scrutinizes ICE Over Immigrant's Death in Custody

Rep. Yassamin Ansari says ICE is hiding wrongdoing in the death of Emmanuel Damas, who died after a prolonged toothache while in immigration detention.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:06am

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Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari traveled to the ICE detention facility in Florence, Arizona, to investigate the death of 56-year-old Haitian immigrant Emmanuel Damas, who died in an East Valley hospital on March 2 after a prolonged toothache that his family says his jailers did not take seriously. Ansari said ICE is trying to cover up what happened and denied her access to detainees and information about Damas' death. ICE has denied wrongdoing and published a timeline of Damas' medical care, but Ansari is calling for an independent investigation.

Why it matters

Ansari's visit highlights ongoing concerns about medical neglect and lack of accountability in ICE detention facilities, especially after a record number of deaths in custody last year. The case of Emmanuel Damas raises questions about the treatment of immigrants, even those charged with crimes, and whether ICE is prioritizing profit over the wellbeing of detainees.

The details

Damas, a Haitian immigrant, was arrested in Boston in mid-September for assault and battery and transferred to ICE custody under the Lake Riley Act, a 2025 law that made it easier to deport people charged with crimes. He was moved to the ICE detention facility in Florence, owned by private prison company CoreCivic, where he filed an appeal of his deportation order. On Feb. 19, Damas reported shortness of breath and was hospitalized, but his condition continued to decline until his death less than two weeks later. Ansari said ICE and CoreCivic were uncooperative during her visit, denying her access to detainees and information about Damas' case.

  • In mid-September 2025, Damas was arrested in Boston for assault and battery.
  • In late September 2025, Damas was transferred to ICE custody and moved to the Florence detention facility.
  • In early January 2026, an immigration judge ordered Damas' removal from the U.S.
  • On February 19, 2026, Damas reported shortness of breath and was hospitalized.
  • On March 2, 2026, Damas died at a Phoenix-area hospital.

The players

Yassamin Ansari

A Democratic congresswoman from Phoenix who visited the ICE detention facility in Florence to investigate Damas' death.

Emmanuel Damas

A 56-year-old Haitian immigrant who died in ICE custody after a prolonged toothache that his family says was not properly treated.

CoreCivic

The private prison company that owns and operates the ICE detention facility in Florence, Arizona where Damas was held.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency that oversees immigration detention facilities.

Lake Riley Act

A 2025 law that made it easier for the government to deport people charged with crimes, under which Damas was transferred to ICE custody.

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What they’re saying

“Because of their negligence, a toothache became a death sentence.”

— Yassamin Ansari, Congresswoman (Phoenix New Times)

“ICE is trying to cover up a lot of what happens inside these detention centers. It's unacceptable that human beings are dying in ICE custody, using taxpayer dollars, under the supervision of these private companies, and there is literally no accountability taking place.”

— Yassamin Ansari, Congresswoman (Phoenix New Times)

“The safety, health and well-being of the individuals entrusted to our care is our top priority. We take seriously our responsibility to adhere to all applicable federal detention standards in our immigration facilities, including our Central Arizona Florence Correctional Center (CAFCC), which is required to undergo regular review and audit processes to ensure an appropriate standard of living and care for all detainees.”

— Brian Todd, CoreCivic Spokesperson (Phoenix New Times)

What’s next

An investigation into Damas' death will be conducted later this month by the Office of Professional Responsibility, a part of ICE. Ansari has called this 'unacceptable' and is pushing for an independent investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about medical neglect, lack of accountability, and the profit-driven incentives of private prison companies operating ICE detention facilities. It raises questions about the treatment of immigrants, even those charged with crimes, and whether the system is prioritizing profits over the wellbeing of detainees.