ICE Confirms Cause of Death for 68-Year-Old Detainee Who Died in Indio Custody

New details have been released in the death of 68-year-old Luis Beltran Yanez Cruz, who died last week while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ICE officials confirmed to NBC Palm Springs that Yanez Cruz died from heart-related issues. According to the agency, he was initially being held at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility when he reported chest pain. He was then transferred and airlifted to Indio to receive a higher level of medical care, where he later died.

In a statement sent to the newsroom, ICE said Yanez Cruz “entered the United States without inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration officer.” He had been arrested in November during an ICE enforcement operation in New Jersey and was being held pending removal proceedings at the time of his death.

ICE also confirmed that Yanez Cruz is one of four detainees who have died while in ICE custody so far this year.

A vigil in his honor is scheduled for Friday, January 16, at 6 p.m. The gathering will take place at Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church. Community members are expected to attend to remember Yanez Cruz and reflect on his death.

ICE policy requires the agency to notify Congress, advocacy organizations, and the public following any in-custody death. The agency says it continues to review the circumstances surrounding each case.

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