Story perspectives

Guatemalan Man Dies in ICE Custody Amid Health Issues

2/20/2026

Center

Garcia-Hernandez's Tragic Death

Jairo Garcia-Hernandez, a 27-year-old Guatemalan man, died February 16 in ICE custody at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami after collapsing.
ICE said he had a long history of severe medical issues and was in poor health when detained.
His first encounter with immigration officials occurred in April 2021, and he had multiple arrests leading to detention.
ICE has reported at least 35 deaths in custody since January 2025.

Right

ICE Custody Deaths

Lorth Sim, a 59-year-old Cambodian national, died in ICE custody on February 16, 2026, at Miami Correctional Facility, seventh death in 2026.
Sim had arrests and was ordered removed to Cambodia in 2006.
In February, Leqaa Kordia, a detainee, experienced a seizure and was reportedly chained during hospitalization.
ICE says it provides medical care, while scrutiny grows after deaths, including Geraldo Lunas Campos (Cuban immigrant) in January 2026.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, abolished national origin quotas that had favored European immigrants since the 1920s. This landmark legislation led to a significant increase in immigration from Latin America and Asia, with over 1 million immigrants arriving annually by the 1970s. Recent deaths in ICE custody underscore ongoing concerns about detainee treatment and may drive reforms in immigration policies.

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Garcia-Hernandez's Tragic Death

Jairo Garcia-Hernandez, a 27-year-old Guatemalan man, died February 16 in ICE custody at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami after collapsing.
ICE said he had a long history of severe medical issues and was in poor health when detained.
His first encounter with immigration officials occurred in April 2021, and he had multiple arrests leading to detention.
ICE has reported at least 35 deaths in custody since January 2025.

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