URGENT UPDATE: The community in Westminster, California is reeling after the tragic death of Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old man who died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. His death, which occurred on September 18, 2023, has sparked an investigation and raised serious questions about the treatment of detainees.
Family, friends, and community members gathered on Saturday for a benefit event aimed at supporting Ayala-Uribe’s family. They honored his life by selling lunch plates to raise funds for his funeral. “He was a beautiful soul,” said neighbor Christine Bone. “He was kind and always ready to help anyone in need.”
Ayala-Uribe had been detained at the Adelanto detention center since mid-August after immigration agents took him into custody at a car wash in Huntington Beach, where he worked. During his five weeks in detention, his health reportedly deteriorated. Family members observed that he appeared pale and thin.
According to an ICE statement, medical staff evaluated Ayala-Uribe on September 18 after he reported pain. He was prescribed medication and returned to his cell, but his condition worsened dramatically. Authorities noted that he exhibited high blood pressure and an unusually fast heartbeat. He was subsequently transported to Victor Valley Global Medical Center for surgery on an abscess but tragically became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.
The circumstances surrounding his death have left family and friends suspicious and heartbroken. “For five weeks—from being taken to death. That man was not a sick man. He was a healthy man, and it is enraging that he has passed away this way,” Bone expressed. Neighbor Eileen Brandenburger added, “I’m shocked and dismayed about how he was treated and how it happened. No one should have that kind of ending to their life.”
Ayala-Uribe, originally from Mexico, came to the U.S. as a child and was granted protection under the DACA program in 2012. However, he faced issues with renewal after two DUI arrests, leading to jail time. Family members and friends at the benefit criticized the inhumane conditions of ICE detention facilities. “We need to bring awareness to what is going on. A lot of people are in fear,” said family friend Tony Castaneda.
ICE has stated that comprehensive medical care is provided to detainees upon arrival and throughout their stay. However, records indicate that at least 14 detainees have died in ICE custody since January, raising concerns about the agency’s practices.
As the community grapples with this shocking loss, Ayala-Uribe’s loved ones are calling for accountability and change. “It cannot happen again. Someone else’s family cannot go through this,” Brandenburger insisted. The investigation into his death is ongoing, and community members are rallying for justice.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more details emerge.
