Liberian national in ICE custody dies in hospital

AMERICUS, GA – A Liberian national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement passed away at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, May 21, 2024. An official cause of death is pending. Cambric Dennis, 44, a citizen of Liberia, entered the United States legally on Aug. 5, 1997.

On July 5, 2023, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Atlanta encountered Dennis at the Georgia Department of Corrections in Jackson, Georgia after he was convicted of an aggravated felony related to controlled substance trafficking. ERO Atlanta lodged an immigration detainer. On Oct. 23, 2023, booked Dennis into the Stewart Detention Center, in Columbus, Georgia pending a hearing before an immigration judge in removal proceedings.

Consistent with ICE protocols, the appropriate components were notified about the death, including the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. Additionally, ICE notified the Liberian Consulate in New York, of Dennis’ passing. ERO Atlanta 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.