ACLU Seeks Answers on Parady La's Death in ICE Custody

Attorneys request records and video footage from ICE and the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has filed a Freedom of Information Act request on behalf of the family of Parady La, an Upper Darby resident who died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on January 9, 2026. The ACLU is seeking records and video footage regarding La's arrest, medical treatment, and the circumstances surrounding his death while detained at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia.

Why it matters

The La family and the public are demanding answers and accountability for Parady La's death in ICE custody. This case raises concerns about the medical care and treatment of detainees in immigration detention centers, as well as questions about ICE's characterization of La as a 'career criminal illegal alien'.

The details

The ACLU of Pennsylvania joined Parady La's family members, Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, VietLead and Asian Americans United at a press conference to announce the FOIA request. The request seeks records from ICE and the Federal Bureau of Prisons regarding La's arrest, medical attention received, and video footage of his treatment while detained. The ACLU is also questioning why facility staff would give Narcan to a person going through withdrawal, which is not the standard medical practice.

  • Parady La died in ICE custody on January 9, 2026.
  • The ACLU filed the FOIA request on February 5, 2026.
  • The deadline for a response is March 6, 2026, or March 20 if an extension is requested.

The players

Parady La

An Upper Darby resident who died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on January 9, 2026.

Meghan Morgan

Parady La's wife, who remembered him as 'a provider, a caregiver and our protector'.

Jazmine La

Parady La's daughter, who said her father's death 'has taken a toll on the whole family' and that she is 'enraged at the thought of my father suffering in a cell while the staff actively ignored his distress'.

Victoria Peña-Parr

A fellowship attorney at the ACLU of Pennsylvania who said the FOIA request is the 'first step' in uncovering what happened in Parady La's detention and fighting the 'inhumane war' being waged on community members.

Tim Kearney

A Pennsylvania state senator who represents Upper Darby and said constituents are 'horrified' by Parady La's death and are demanding action.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The La family and the public deserve answers and accountability, and the FOIA request is the first step in that process.”

— Victoria Peña-Parr, Fellowship Attorney, ACLU of Pennsylvania

“To him, family was the most important thing in his life. There was nothing he wouldn't do for us. I always knew that if I ever needed anything, I could call on him and he would be there no matter what. Parady was not perfect, and he struggled with addiction, but he still always showed up for his family.”

— Meghan Morgan, Parady La's Wife

“I'm grieving the loss of my dad, but I am also angry. I am enraged at the thought of my father suffering in a cell while the staff actively ignored his distress.”

— Jazmine La, Parady La's Daughter

“We need to know what happened to Mr. Law after he was detained. We need accountability for the lack of proper medical care that he received, and Mr. La's family deserves compensation for their loss on ICE's watch.”

— Tim Kearney, Pennsylvania State Senator

What’s next

The ACLU of Pennsylvania plans to challenge the FOIA request in federal court if it is denied. The La family has also retained attorneys to potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit if the facts point in that direction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the treatment of detainees in immigration detention centers, as well as the devastating impact that the lack of proper medical care can have on families and communities.