ICE detainee passes away at UVA Medical Center

FARMVILLE, Va. — A 33-year-old El Salvadoran national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) passed away Sunday afternoon at the University of Virginia (UVA) Medical Center in Charlottesville, Va.

On Sept. 27, Anibal Ramirez-Ramirez was turned over to ICE following an arrest by Virginia State Police. He was detained at the Farmville Detention Center while going through removal proceedings.

Early Saturday morning, Ramirez was discovered unconscious by facility staff and was immediately transported via ambulance to Southside Community Hospital in Farmville. The hospital airlifted him to the UVA Medical Center where he was diagnosed with liver failure.

The family and the El Salvadoran consulate were notified of Ramirez's medical condition. His family was with him at the hospital until he passed away on Oct. 2.

Consistent with ICE protocol, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have been informed. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

Ramirez is the first detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2012.