Undocumented Honduran Man Dies at Indio Hospital While in ICE Custody

Federal immigration officials are confirming the death of a 68-year-old undocumented immigrant who died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after being transferred to a hospital in the Coachella Valley.

ICE says Luis Beltran Yanez Cruz, a citizen of Honduras, died early on January 6 at JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio. According to the agency, Yanez Cruz was experiencing chest pain while being held at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility and was transferred for medical care. He was later airlifted to Indio for what ICE described as a higher level of treatment.

ICE officials say Yanez Cruz died from heart-related issues while under medical care at the hospital. Additional details about his condition or treatment have not been released.

Yanez Cruz had been arrested in November during an ICE enforcement operation in New Jersey. At the time of his hospitalization, he was being held pending removal proceedings, according to the agency.

ICE also noted that Yanez Cruz is one of four detainees who have died while in ICE custody so far this year. The agency says it reviews all in-custody deaths and reports them in accordance with federal requirements.

No further information has been released about any investigations or reviews connected to this death.

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