Guatemalan national in ICE custody dies in hospital

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – A Guatemalan national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) passed away at the Bronson Battle Creek Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, May 22.

Hugo Boror Urla, 39, is a Guatemalan national who was in custody pending the outcome of his immigration proceedings. An official cause of death is pending.

Boror entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location. U.S. Border Patrol encountered Boror near Taylor, Michigan April 17 and served him a notice and order of expedited removal. USBP transferred Boror to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit custody, April 24. He was detained at Calhoun County Jail in Battle Creek, Michigan where he continued his immigration proceedings.

Consistent with ICE protocols, the appropriate components were notified about the death, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

Additionally, ICE notified the Guatemalan Consulate in Chicago, of Boror’s passing. ERO Detroit staff notified next of kin.

ICE remains committed to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. At no time during detention is a detained noncitizen denied emergent care.

Upon an official report of a detained noncitizen death, ERO makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders, and the media and posts a news release with relevant details on the public website within two business days, per agency policy. This information may be accessed in the ICE.gov Newsroom.

Additionally, Congressional requirements described in the DHS Appropriations Bill (2018) require ICE to make public all reports regarding an in-custody death within 90 days. These reports may be accessed on the Detainee Death Reporting page.