Man Dies in ICE Custody in Louisiana: What Detainees Should Know
A 36-year-old man from Costa Rica died in ICE custody at a Louisiana detention facility on September 18, 2026. Carlos Josue Marchena-Marchena was found unresponsive at Winnfield Correctional Center; the official cause of death is still pending. His death is a reminder that ICE detention carries real risks — and that families need to know their rights before a crisis happens.
Carlos Josue Marchena-Marchena, a 36-year-old man from Costa Rica, died on September 18, 2026, while held at Winnfield Correctional Center in Louisiana — an ICE detention facility. Staff found him unresponsive that morning, called a medical emergency, and began life-saving measures. Emergency Medical Services transported him to Winn Parish Medical Center, where a physician pronounced him dead at approximately 8:00 a.m. The official cause of death is still pending a medical examination.
What ICE says happened
According to ICE, Marchena received medical care throughout his detention. ICE policy requires that all detainees get medical, dental, and mental health screenings within 12 hours of arriving at a facility, and a full health assessment within 14 days. ICE also states that 24-hour emergency care must be available at all times. Following his death, ICE notified the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Consulate of Costa Rica — all standard steps under ICE's detainee death reporting policy.
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Marchena had been in ICE custody since January 14, 2026, after an arrest by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department in Michigan. A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered his removal on July 29, 2026. His case shows how quickly removal proceedings can move once ICE takes someone into custody — from arrest to removal order in under seven months.
What to do if a family member is in ICE detention
- Call the ICE detainee locator at 1-888-351-4024 or search online at ICE.gov to find out where your family member is held.
- Ask the detention facility directly about the medical care your family member is receiving — detainees have the right to medical attention, and families can request updates.
- If you believe a detainee's medical needs are being ignored, contact a nonprofit immigration legal organization or an immigration lawyer who handles detention cases.
- If a family member dies in ICE custody, the relevant foreign consulate must be notified — confirm this happened and contact the consulate yourself for assistance with remains and documentation.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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When a person dies in ICE custody, the family has the right to request an independent autopsy and to obtain all medical records from the detention period — do not wait for ICE's internal review. If there is any reason to believe medical care was delayed or denied, a civil rights attorney should be contacted within weeks, since evidence preservation is time-sensitive. An immigration attorney can also help the family understand what consular support is available and whether any legal claims exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medical care are ICE detainees legally entitled to?
ICE policy requires medical, dental, and mental health screenings within 12 hours of arrival at a facility, a full health assessment within 14 days, and access to 24-hour emergency care. No detainee can be denied emergency treatment at any point during detention.
What happens when someone dies in ICE custody?
ICE must notify the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, and the detainee's home country consulate. ICE also publicly posts a news release on its website. The official cause of death is determined through a separate medical examination.
Can a family member get information about a detainee's medical condition?
Yes. Families can contact the detention facility directly to ask about a detainee's health. An immigration attorney can also formally request medical records and push for better care if needed. The ICE detainee locator at ICE.gov helps families find out where someone is being held.
What should a family do if they believe a detainee's death was caused by neglect?
Contact a civil rights or immigration attorney as soon as possible. Families can request an independent autopsy and all medical records from the detention period. Acting quickly matters — evidence can be harder to obtain as time passes.