Man Dies in ICE Custody in Laredo: What Detainees Can Do
You got a call that your family member was taken to an ICE detention center — and you have no idea what happens next. On June 19, 2026, a 63-year-old man named Felix Alcorta-Rodriguez died in ICE custody at a detention facility in Laredo, Texas, just three days after his arrest. His cause of death is still pending an autopsy, and his case raises urgent questions about what detainees are entitled to — and what families can actually do.
You got a call that your family member was arrested by ICE and taken to a detention center — and now you're not sure if they're getting proper medical care. That fear is real. On June 19, 2026, Felix Alcorta-Rodriguez, a 63-year-old man from Mexico, died while in ICE custody at the Webb County Detention Center in Laredo, Texas. Staff found him unresponsive at 9:13 p.m., started emergency measures, and called an ambulance. He was taken to Laredo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m. The official cause of death is still pending an autopsy.
How He Ended Up in Detention
ICE arrested Alcorta-Rodriguez on June 16, 2026, right after he was released from the Webb County Jail. The Laredo Police Department had arrested him on May 9 on an outstanding warrant — a failure to appear in court related to a driving while intoxicated arrest from February 5, 2018. ICE says he had entered the US without inspection at an unknown date. According to ICE, he received medical care and was seen by medical professionals while in custody.
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ICE followed its standard notification process after his death. The agency notified the Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Consulate General of Mexico. ICE also contacted Alcorta-Rodriguez's next of kin. Under ICE policy, the agency is required to report all in-custody deaths to Congress, NGO stakeholders, and the media. Full reports are posted on ICE's Detainee Death Reporting page at ICE.gov.
What to Do If Someone You Know Is in ICE Detention
- Find out where they are being held. Use the ICE detainee locator at ICE.gov or call 1-888-351-4024. You need their full name, country of birth, and date of birth.
- Contact an immigration lawyer right away. A lawyer can file for a bond hearing — a court proceeding where a judge decides whether your family member can be released while their case continues. Lawyers recommend acting fast, because delays can limit options.
- Ask about medical needs in writing. If the detainee has a serious health condition, their attorney can submit a written request to the facility for specific medical care. Document everything.
- If you believe their rights were violated, contact the DHS Office of Inspector General at oig.dhs.gov or call 1-800-323-8603 to file a complaint.
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When a person is in ICE custody, they have the right to medical care from the moment they arrive — including a health screening within 12 hours and a full assessment within 14 days. If a detainee has a pre-existing condition, their attorney should immediately send a written medical accommodation request to the facility and keep copies of all correspondence. Families should not wait to see if the situation improves on its own — consult an immigration attorney as soon as detention begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ICE have to tell my family if I die in custody?
Yes. Under ICE policy, the agency must notify the detainee's next of kin or designated contact, the relevant foreign consulate, and several government oversight bodies including the DHS Office of Inspector General.
What medical care is a detainee legally entitled to?
ICE policy requires a medical screening within 12 hours of arrival, a full health assessment within 14 days, access to medical appointments, and 24-hour emergency care. Emergency care cannot be denied at any point during detention.
Can an old DUI arrest affect my immigration case?
Yes. Even an old arrest — especially one with an outstanding warrant — can trigger an ICE arrest after you are released from local custody. Immigration lawyers strongly recommend resolving any open warrants before they lead to a detention situation.
Where can I find reports on deaths in ICE custody?
ICE publishes official reports on its Detainee Death Reporting page at ICE.gov. You can also contact the DHS Office of Inspector General at oig.dhs.gov if you believe a death involved negligence or a rights violation.