Fact Check: "75-year-old man dies in ICE custody after nearly 60 years in the U.S."
What We Know
On October 23, 2023, it was reported that Isidro Perez, a 75-year-old Cuban national, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He had been in the U.S. for nearly 60 years and was pronounced dead at a hospital after being taken from the detention facility due to health complications (Cuban national dies in ICE custody). Reports indicate that Perez had a history of health issues, including diabetes and hypertension, which may have contributed to his deteriorating condition while in custody (Why Did a 75-Year-Old Man in Poor Health Just Die in ICE).
Analysis
The claim that a 75-year-old man died in ICE custody after living in the U.S. for nearly 60 years is supported by multiple credible sources. The U.S. ICE confirmed Perez's death, indicating that he had been in their custody for some time before his hospitalization (Cuban national dies in ICE custody). The New Republic also provided context about his long residency in the U.S. and his health issues, which were exacerbated during his time in detention (Why Did a 75-Year-Old Man in Poor Health Just Die in ICE).
However, while the facts surrounding Perez's death are reported by credible outlets, the broader implications regarding ICE's treatment of detainees and the systemic issues within detention facilities require further investigation. The Guardian has noted that this incident is part of a troubling trend, as the number of deaths in ICE custody has been increasing (Two more Ice deaths put US on track for one of deadliest). This context is crucial for understanding the systemic issues at play but does not directly affect the veracity of the claim regarding Perez's death.
Source Reliability
- ICE is a government agency, and its reports are generally considered reliable, although they may have inherent biases in how they present information.
- The New Republic and The Guardian are established news organizations known for their investigative journalism, which adds credibility to their reporting on this incident. However, they may also have editorial biases that could influence their framing of the story.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
While the claim that a 75-year-old man died in ICE custody after nearly 60 years in the U.S. is substantiated by credible sources, the broader implications regarding ICE's practices and the health conditions of detainees require further investigation. The systemic issues surrounding immigration detention and the treatment of elderly detainees are complex and merit a deeper examination beyond the immediate facts of this case.
