ICE detainee from Honduras passes away at south Texas hospital

HARLINGEN, Texas – A Honduran national who has been in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since July 22, passed away Wednesday, July 31, at Valley Baptist Medical Center (VBMC) in Harlingen, Texas.

Lelis Rodriguez, 50, was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on July 16 while entering the United States near Hidalgo, Texas. On July 30, Rodriguez suffered a stroke and was rushed to VBMC, where he was diagnosed with a cerebral hemorrhage.

Rodriguez passed away July 31, at about 5 p.m. (CDT). He has no known next of kin in the United States.

Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have also been informed, along with consular officials from Honduras.