Two individuals have died while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Georgia this year, prompting U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to demand an investigation into the circumstances surrounding these deaths, as well as the broader conditions of detention.
The first death occurred on May 5 when Abelardo Avelleneda-Delgado, a 68-year-old Mexican citizen, became unresponsive during transit to the Stewart Detention Center. Despite emergency medical services being summoned, efforts to revive him were not undertaken as he was found without a pulse. His death was pronounced by the county coroner, who is still awaiting autopsy results.
The second death occurred on June 7 at the Stewart Detention Center. Jesus Molina-Veya, aged 45 and also a Mexican citizen, was found with a ligature around his neck. Despite medical staff’s efforts to resuscitate him, Molina-Veya was declared dead following his transportation to a hospital. This incident was ruled as a suicide.
Both men had a history of illegal entry into the United States, with Avelleneda-Delgado previously facing charges including family violence and cruelty to children, and Molina-Veya having been charged with offenses such as child molestation and false imprisonment.
These deaths contribute to a rising number of in-custody fatalities reported by ICE nationwide, with 13 deaths occurring so far this year compared to 11 in the previous year. Each incident is formally reported to the relevant parties and posted publicly on the agency’s website.
Senators Ossoff and Warnock have addressed these issues in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, urging the release of detailed information regarding these deaths and the actions undertaken by ICE to improve in-custody conditions. Their letter highlights concerns over past allegations of civil rights violations within facilities like the Stewart Detention Center, including claims of medical neglect, overcrowding, and inadequate support for legal representation.
Efforts to receive commentary from ICE and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office have so far been unacknowledged. The senators continue to press for transparency and accountability from federal authorities to address and prevent further occurrences. Their call for action also includes a request for information on the agency’s suicide prevention protocols in detention centers.