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ICE Investigates Death of Chinese Detainee in Custody

9/3/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

ICE Custody Death

ICE reported Chinese national Lianyong Wei died in its custody in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Wei was arrested on Aug. 21 by Northern Mariana Islands police for an alleged family assault.
He entered ICE custody on Aug. 22 and was found unresponsive during checks on Aug. 23.
ICE said the death cause is under investigation.
The Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles demanded a thorough investigation and assistance for Wei’s family.

Summary

Bel Suicide

Police ruled Pierre Bel’s death a suicide after he stepped into traffic on Interstate 70.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed an ankle monitor on Bel on July 29, 2026.
During a video call, Bel told his father he felt humiliated and mentally unstable.
Governor Mike DeWine called the death a horrible tragedy and questioned deportation policies.

History

Historical Context

After the September 11 attacks, Congress passed the Homeland Security Act of 2002, creating DHS and dissolving the INS on March 1 2003; its enforcement arm became Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE launched Operation Community Shield in February 2005 and now operates with over 10,300 staff. Recent custodial deaths of detainee Pierre Bel and Chinese national Lianyong Wei revive calls for reform of ICE’s detention practices.

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ICE Custody Death

ICE reported Chinese national Lianyong Wei died in its custody in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Wei was arrested on Aug. 21 by Northern Mariana Islands police for an alleged family assault.
He entered ICE custody on Aug. 22 and was found unresponsive during checks on Aug. 23.
ICE said the death cause is under investigation.
The Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles demanded a thorough investigation and assistance for Wei’s family.

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