Georgia senators demand answers after ICE detainee deaths in custody
By Tia Maggio
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Georgia (WJCL) — Two Georgia senators are pressing federal officials for answers following a series of deaths in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, including two that occurred in Georgia this year.
Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock sent a letter Tuesday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, calling for immediate information about the deaths and a plan to prevent further fatalities.
In May, 68-year-old Abelardo Avellaneda-Delgado died while being transported to Stewart Detention Center in Georgia. Weeks later, 45-year-old Jesus Molina-Veya was found dead at the same facility in what officials ruled a suicide. These deaths mark the 13th at Stewart since 2006, including three suicides.
In their letter, the senators wrote:
“We write with serious alarm regarding the rise in the number of deaths in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody nationwide… We request that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE immediately provide information about these individuals’ deaths and about the [administration’s] plan to prevent further fatalities.”
The letter also highlights a troubling history at Stewart, citing allegations of medical neglect, solitary confinement, and overcrowding. Local advocacy group Migrant Equity Southeast says similar concerns exist at the Folkston Detention Center.
“Generally, what conditions look like is the lack of proper medical attention, a lack of decent food,” said Eduardo Delgado, civic and advocacy coordinator for Migrant Equity Southeast.
Nationwide, ICE has confirmed 14 detainee deaths so far this year, the highest number recorded since 2020. Advocates say each death affects not just the individual, but entire families.
“We’re talking about 14 families that were affected by this. I think that the administration really needs to take a look at this issue,” said Delgado
Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter called the senators’ claims misleading, stating,
“Having toured the ICE Processing Center in Folkston, I can assure you that the Trump administration] is prioritizing safety.”
ICE said in a statement to WJCL 22:
“Senators Ossoff and Warnock stayed quiet as the Biden administration lost 450,000 unaccompanied migrant children and opened our border to terrorists and gang members. Their silence on the demonization of federal law enforcement by their colleagues is equally as deafening. Just earlier this year Sen Ossoff released a “report” filled with false claims and inaccuracies. It is clear the Senator is now only taking an interest in this subject matter for political purposes. All in-custody deaths are tragic, taken seriously, and are thoroughly investigated by law enforcement. ICE takes its commitment to promoting safe, secure, humane environments for those in our custody very seriously. DHS responds to official correspondence through official channels.”
The senators have given the agencies until Oct. 31 to provide records, respond to questions, and outline a plan to prevent future deaths in ICE custody.
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