Peruvian Man Dies in ICE Custody in Louisiana
Julian Curo-Churata, a 47-year-old man from Peru, died in ICE custody on September 29, 2026, at a hospital in Monroe, Louisiana — less than two weeks after an immigration judge denied his request for relief and voluntary departure. The cause of death is not yet known; an autopsy is pending. His case raises questions about medical care and oversight inside immigration detention facilities.
Curo-Churata was found in medical distress on September 28, 2026, at Richwood Correctional Center, where he had been held since late June. Facility staff transported him to Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center at 8:14 p.m. CDT. A physician pronounced him dead at 4:01 a.m. CDT the following morning. ICE says the preliminary cause of death is unknown and that an autopsy will determine the official finding.
How He Ended Up in Detention
ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore arrested Curo-Churata on June 27, 2026, during a targeted enforcement operation and served him with a Notice to Appear — the document that formally starts removal proceedings in immigration court. Two days later, ERO transferred him to ERO New Orleans custody. On September 18, 2026, an immigration judge denied his applications for relief and voluntary departure. He reserved his right to appeal, meaning his case was still open when he died.
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ICE stated that Curo received medical care while in custody and was seen by medical professionals. Consistent with agency policy, ERO New Orleans notified the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, Curo-Churata's spouse, his attorney, and the Consulate General of Peru. ICE policy requires all detainees to receive a medical screening within 12 hours of arrival and a full health assessment within 14 days.
What to Do If a Loved One Is in ICE Detention
- Contact an immigration attorney immediately if someone you know is detained. A lawyer can check the detainee's status, file for a bond hearing, and preserve the right to appeal a removal order — the deadline to appeal an order of removal is 30 days.
- Request medical records. Detainees and their families have the right to request records of medical care provided during detention. An attorney can help obtain these through formal channels.
- Contact the detainee's home country consulate. Consulates can provide assistance, monitor conditions, and communicate with family. ICE is required to notify the consulate when a citizen of that country dies in custody.
- File a complaint if you believe care was inadequate. Complaints about conditions in ICE detention can be submitted to the DHS Office of Inspector General at oig.dhs.gov.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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When a detainee 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 alone. If the detainee had a pending appeal of a removal order, that appeal does not automatically close; an attorney can notify the immigration court and preserve any claims. Families in this situation should consult an immigration attorney and, if warranted, a civil rights attorney who handles detention conditions cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to a removal case when someone dies in ICE custody?
The immigration court is typically notified and the case is administratively closed or terminated. If the person had a pending appeal, an attorney should notify the Board of Immigration Appeals promptly. The family may also have separate legal options depending on the circumstances of the death.
Does ICE have to provide medical care to detainees?
Yes. ICE policy requires a medical screening within 12 hours of arrival at a detention facility and a full health assessment within 14 days. Detainees must have access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. ICE states that no detainee is denied emergency care at any point during detention.
Can a family member find out where their relative is being held by ICE?
Yes. You can search for a detained person using ICE's online detainee locator at locator.ice.gov. You will need the person's full name, country of birth, and date of birth. An immigration attorney can also help locate a detained family member and check on their status.
What is a Notice to Appear in immigration court?
A Notice to Appear (NTA) is the document ICE files with the immigration court to formally begin removal proceedings against someone. It lists the reasons the government believes the person should be removed from the US. Receiving an NTA does not mean automatic deportation — the person has the right to appear before an immigration judge and present a defense.