Haitian Asylum Seeker Dies in ICE Custody After Untreated Toothache

Family says lack of medical care led to deadly infection

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Emmanuel Damas, a 56-year-old Haitian man seeking asylum in Massachusetts, died in ICE custody in Arizona after an untreated toothache developed into a deadly infection. Lawmakers are demanding an investigation into ICE's failure to provide timely medical care, which they say contributed to Damas's worsening condition and eventual death.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about medical care and treatment of immigrants in ICE detention centers, with Damas's death being the 10th such fatality in ICE custody this year alone. It raises questions about the ability of the agency to properly care for detainees and the potential consequences of denying or delaying necessary medical attention.

The details

Damas, a Dorchester resident, was taken into ICE custody in Boston in September 2025 and had been held at a detention center in Florence, Arizona for the last four months. Last month, he told staff he had a bad toothache that worsened, and he was taken to the hospital on February 19. The next day, he was on life support in intensive care with pneumonia. ICE later told his brother that Damas was back at the detention center, but provided no update on his condition. Several days later, Damas was hospitalized again and scheduled for surgery, but died on March 2.

  • Damas was taken into ICE custody in Boston in September 2025.
  • Damas was held at an ICE detention center in Florence, Arizona for the last four months.
  • On February 19, Damas was taken to the hospital for a worsening toothache.
  • On February 20, Damas was on life support in intensive care with pneumonia.
  • Damas died on March 2, 2026.

The players

Emmanuel Damas

A 56-year-old Haitian man seeking asylum in Massachusetts who died in ICE custody in Arizona.

Presly Nelson

Damas's brother, who spoke out about his brother's lack of medical care and worsening condition while in ICE custody.

Elizabeth Warren

A U.S. Senator from Massachusetts who, along with other lawmakers, is demanding an investigation into Damas's death.

Ed Markey

A U.S. Senator from Massachusetts who, along with other lawmakers, is demanding an investigation into Damas's death.

Ayanna Pressley

A U.S. Representative from Massachusetts who, along with other lawmakers, is demanding an investigation into Damas's death.

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What they’re saying

“ICE's failure to provide timely medical care to Mr. Damas appears to have contributed to his worsening medical condition and tragic death.”

— Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, Ayanna Pressley, U.S. Senators and Representative (Letter to Homeland Security and ICE)

What’s next

The lawmakers have demanded answers from the heads of Homeland Security and ICE regarding Damas's death, and an investigation into the agency's ability to provide proper medical care for detainees.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment and medical care of immigrants in ICE detention centers, with Damas's death being the 10th such fatality this year. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability to ensure detainees receive timely and adequate medical attention, especially for preventable conditions like a toothache that can become life-threatening without proper care.