Seventh ICE Detainee Dies in Texas as Laredo Family Cites Medical Neglect
A 56-year-old Mexican national died in an ICE facility in Laredo, marking the seventh death in Texas detention this year. His daughter alleges he was denied medication and ignored by medical staff despite chronic health issues. Rep. Henry Cuellar is visiting the facility to investigate conditions, while federal agencies have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Key points
- Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias was found unresponsive at the Rio Grande Processing Center in Laredo on Saturday morning.
- He is the seventh person to die in ICE custody in Texas in 2026 and the second in Laredo this year.
- His daughter, Estefani Andrade, claims he suffered from heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure but was denied his medications.
- Andrade states her father reported breathing difficulties and chest tightness to staff, who allegedly ignored his requests for help.
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar plans to visit the facility to question staff about medical care and detention conditions.
- The family was notified of the death by the Webb County Medical Examiner, not by federal agencies, and has not yet received official contact from ICE or DHS.
Background
This incident adds to a pattern of deaths in Texas immigration detention facilities in 2026. Earlier this year, Geraldo Lunas Campos died in El Paso, a case ruled a homicide by the medical examiner, and Felix Alcorta-Rodriguez died in Laredo in June. The current death highlights ongoing concerns regarding medical care in ICE custody, particularly for detainees with pre-existing conditions. Recent ICE operations in other states, such as Kansas, have also drawn scrutiny regarding coordination with local authorities and the impact on communities, though the Laredo case specifically centers on individual medical neglect allegations.
Why it matters
The death underscores persistent concerns about the adequacy of medical care in immigration detention facilities. Allegations of denied medication and ignored symptoms raise questions about the safety and oversight of detainees with chronic health conditions. With seven deaths in Texas this year, the incident may prompt further scrutiny from lawmakers and advocates regarding ICE’s handling of medical emergencies and communication with families.
What to watch
Rep. Henry Cuellar is scheduled to visit the Rio Grande Processing Center to question staff about conditions and medical care. The family plans to visit the facility to collect the deceased’s belongings. The Webb County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Federal agencies, including ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, are expected to respond to requests for comment, though they had not done so as of Sunday.
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