U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Mar. 30 that Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano, a Mexican national with prior convictions, died while in custody at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California on March 25.
The incident raises questions about the health and safety protocols for individuals held in immigration detention centers. ICE stated that Ramos-Solano was found unconscious and unresponsive by security staff at approximately 9:29 p.m., prompting immediate life-saving measures before he was transported to Victor Valley Global Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.
Ramos-Solano had been arrested by Redondo Beach Police Department on May 6, 2025, for possession of a controlled substance and theft of personal property. He was convicted by the Superior Court of Los Angeles later that year and subsequently detained by ICE during a targeted law enforcement operation in Torrance, California on February 23, 2026.
Upon arrival at Adelanto, Ramos-Solano underwent a full health evaluation which identified several medical issues including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. According to ICE officials, he received daily medication and ongoing medical care during his time in custody. On March 25, when staff discovered him unresponsive in his bunk, both onsite medical personnel and emergency services attempted advanced life support interventions before transferring him to the hospital.
Following established procedures after an in-custody death, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) notified relevant authorities including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS Office of Inspector General, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center as well as the Mexican consulate to assist with next-of-kin notifications according to international laws.
ICE affirmed its commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare for all detainees from intake through their stay: “Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout their stay.” The agency added that it notifies Congress and other stakeholders about any deaths within detention facilities as required under federal law.
