Georgian Man Dies in ICE Custody in Louisiana, 2026
A 43-year-old man from Georgia was found unresponsive in an ICE detention facility in Louisiana on the night of June 4, 2026. He died less than an hour later at a nearby hospital. His death raises urgent questions about medical care and the rights of people held in immigration detention across the US.
Mamuka Artmeladze, a 43-year-old man from the country of Georgia, died on June 4, 2026, while in ICE detention at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana. Staff found him unresponsive at 10:37 p.m. and called a medical emergency. Despite efforts by both facility staff and hospital doctors, he was pronounced dead at 11:22 p.m. at Winn Parish Medical Center. The official cause of death is still pending an autopsy.
What Happened Before His Arrest
Artmeladze entered the United States without authorization at an unknown date. U.S. Border Patrol encountered him on September 25, 2022, and released him on parole — a temporary permission to stay in the country — with instructions to report to ICE within 60 days. On February 5, 2026, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team arrested him near Fackler, Alabama, during an operation targeting commercial vehicle drivers who posed public safety risks. ICE determined he had no legal status to remain in the US and took him into custody. He had been detained since then.
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ICE says it notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, the Consulate General of Georgia, and Artmeladze's next of kin — following standard policy for in-custody deaths. ICE is also required by law to report all in-custody deaths to Congress within 90 days and to post details publicly on its website. ICE states that all detainees receive medical, dental, and mental health screenings within 12 hours of arrival and a full health assessment within 14 days.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Is in ICE Detention
- Know your rights: People in ICE custody have the right to medical care at all times, including 24-hour emergency care. If you believe care is being denied, ask to speak with a supervisor or file a complaint through the facility.
- Contact a lawyer immediately: If someone you know is detained and facing removal proceedings (the legal process to deport someone), an immigration lawyer can help file for a bond hearing or explore other options to fight deportation.
- Reach out to the consulate: If you are a foreign national in detention, your country's consulate has the right to be notified and may be able to provide assistance.
- Document everything: Keep records of medical requests, dates, and any communications with facility staff. This information can be important if you need to file a complaint or take legal action later.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
When someone dies in ICE custody, family members have the right to request records about the medical care provided — and those records can be critical if there are grounds for a civil rights complaint. If a detained person is not receiving adequate medical attention, their attorney can file an emergency motion with the immigration court or contact the facility's medical staff directly in writing to create a paper trail. Anyone currently in removal proceedings should not wait — consult an immigration attorney immediately to understand all available options, including asylum applications or motions to reopen a case.