Family Demands Answers After Father Dies in ICE Custody

Grieving L.A. family speaks out after Mexican national dies at Adelanto detention center

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:52am

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A photorealistic painting of a nondescript, two-story immigration detention center building set against a backdrop of warm, golden sunlight and long shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and melancholy.The tragic death of a Mexican immigrant in ICE custody exposes deep concerns over the treatment of detainees in America's immigration detention system.Los Angeles Today

A grieving Los Angeles family is demanding action and answers after their loved one, Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano, died last week while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center. Ramos' case has drawn the attention of the Mexican Consulate, which says 14 Mexican nationals have died in immigration custody nationwide since January 2025.

Why it matters

The death of Ramos, a Mexican national who had lived in the U.S. for 28 years, is the latest example of an in-custody death that has widened the divide between the Mexican government and U.S. immigration officials over the treatment of detainees. Mexico has accused the U.S. of operational deficiencies and possible negligence in these cases.

The details

According to ICE, Ramos was arrested by agents in Torrance five weeks ago on February 23 and had previous convictions for drug and theft charges. While in custody, ICE says Ramos received constant medical care for several issues, including diabetes and hypertension. He was found unconscious and unresponsive in his bunk on March 25 and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, though the official cause of death has not been released.

  • Ramos was arrested by ICE agents on February 23, 2026.
  • Ramos was found unconscious in his bunk on March 25, 2026 and later pronounced dead.

The players

Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano

A 28-year resident of Los Angeles who died while in ICE custody at the Adelanto detention center.

Vanessa Calva Ruiz

Director General for Consular Protection and Strategic Planning at the Mexican Consulate, who attributed the 14 Mexican national deaths in ICE custody to operational deficiencies and possible negligence.

GEO Group

The private company that operates the Adelanto ICE Processing Center where Ramos died.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Jose Guadalupe's case is not an isolated case, but rather a reflection of an alarming and unacceptable trend.”

— Vanessa Calva Ruiz, Director General for Consular Protection and Strategic Planning, Mexican Consulate

“What happened to my dad was very inhumane. I think my family and I deserve to know the truth of what happened to my dad.”

— Gloria Ramos, Daughter of Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano

What’s next

The government of Mexico announced intentions to file an amicus brief in a class action lawsuit addressing the confinement conditions at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Mexican government and U.S. immigration authorities over the treatment and deaths of Mexican nationals in ICE custody, raising questions about the transparency and standards of care within the immigration detention system.