Mexican National Dies in ICE Custody in California

The 48-year-old man is the ninth detainee to die in ICE custody this year.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that a 48-year-old Mexican national, Alberto Gutierrez-Reyes, died in a California hospital on February 27 after being hospitalized for chest pain and shortness of breath. Gutierrez-Reyes was arrested by Border Patrol on January 9 in Los Angeles for being "present in the United States without admission" and was subject to removal proceedings.

Why it matters

This is the ninth detainee death in ICE custody since the beginning of 2026, raising concerns about the treatment of immigrants in detention facilities and the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The details

Gutierrez-Reyes was hospitalized on February 25 after reporting feeling faint. He was admitted to Victor Valley Global Medical Center, where he died two days later. Local officials have criticized the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement, arguing that it prioritizes detention and deportation over funding for healthcare, housing, and other social services.

  • Gutierrez-Reyes was arrested by Border Patrol on January 9, 2026 in Los Angeles.
  • Gutierrez-Reyes was hospitalized on February 25, 2026.
  • Gutierrez-Reyes died on February 27, 2026.

The players

Alberto Gutierrez-Reyes

A 48-year-old Mexican national who died in ICE custody in California.

Eunisses Hernandez

A Los Angeles city Councilmember who criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Geraldo Lunas Campos

A 55-year-old man who died during a scuffle with guards inside the Camp East Montana detention center earlier this year.

Jairo Garcia-Hernandez

A 27-year-old man who died while in ICE custody on February 16 after collapsing unexpectedly at a Miami hospital.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump administration does not value human life. They are using our federal tax dollars to bankroll detention and a deadly deportation machine instead of funding healthcare, food, housing, education, and the systems that actually keep people alive.”

— Eunisses Hernandez, Los Angeles city Councilmember

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in ICE custody and the need for greater oversight and accountability in the immigration enforcement system.