Full Breakdown
Death of Costa Rican Detainee Highlights Ongoing Concerns Over ICE Medical Care
By Drooid · · How we work
The Fatal Incident at Winn Correctional Center
In mid-September 2026, 36-year-old Carlos Josue Marchena-Marchena was found unresponsive at the Winn Correctional Center in Winnfield, Louisiana. Medical staff and emergency responders attempted resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly thereafter. The official cause of death remains pending further medical examination.
Background and Context
Marchena’s death is the third detainee fatality at the Winn facility within six months and the 25th ICE detention death recorded in 2026, according to an ABC News tally. Since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, tracking by the Associated Press counts at least 58 detainee deaths, while the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported that medical examiners had identified diabetes as a contributing factor in at least six deaths during the same period. An unannounced OIG inspection in June 2026 found violations at Winn related to medical care, food storage, and record-keeping, and ICE agreed to nine remedial recommendations.
Data and Statistics
- 25 detainee deaths in ICE custody reported for 2026.
- 55 deaths recorded during the second Trump administration, per ABC News analysis.
- Nearly 60 deaths reported since January 2025 (Associated Press).
- Marchena is the 58th detainee death cited by AP tracking since the administration’s start.
- Two other detainees have died at the Winn complex since April 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Winn Parish Coroner’s Office did not respond to comment requests.
Criticism & Opposition
Family members and fellow detainees dispute ICE’s assessment. Marchena’s sister, Franciny Marchena, told the Associated Press that her brother reported no one was checking his blood-sugar levels and that he received “irregular insulin shots.” Detainee Luis Herrera Andy, who shared a cell with Marchena, recalled Marchena’s complaints about “irregular insulin shots” and described the facility as “crap” that “doesn’t help you with anything.” Dr. Rajesh Garg, head of the diabetes unit at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, warned that insufficient food, water, and insulin can “stress his system” and increase the risk of life-threatening complications for a person with type 1 diabetes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- ICE and DHS maintain that Marchena received appropriate medical care, while family and detainee testimonies describe missed insulin doses, inadequate food, and lack of monitoring.
- The death count differs: ABC News lists 55 deaths during the second Trump administration, whereas AP tracking cites 58 deaths since January 2025.
- The official cause of death has not been released, leaving uncertainty about the role of diabetes, possible cardiac issues, or other factors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If they are under any stress, then they need even more care and then they need to test their blood sugar at regular times,” — Dr. Rajesh Garg
- “All they gave him was a pill — that was it for the treatment,” — Leon Castro
