Fact Check: First ICE detainee dies in transit in a decade
What We Know
The claim that "the first ICE detainee dies in transit in a decade" refers specifically to the death of Abelardo Avellaneda Delgado, a 68-year-old Mexican national. He died on May 5, 2025, while being transported from a local jail to a federal detention center. This incident marks the first reported death of an ICE detainee during transport in at least ten years, according to multiple sources, including The Guardian and Truth or Fake.
Avellaneda Delgado had been detained for about a month prior to his death, during which he reportedly experienced significant health issues. His family claimed he had no prior health conditions before being detained, yet he was seen in a wheelchair during a visit shortly before his death, raising concerns about the medical care he received while in custody (The Guardian).
In a separate case, Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian woman, died in ICE custody on April 28, 2025, at the Broward Transitional Center in Florida. Although her death occurred in detention rather than during transport, it highlights ongoing concerns about the conditions and medical care provided to detainees (NPR).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is corroborated by credible news outlets. The Guardian explicitly states that Avellaneda Delgado is the first ICE detainee to die during transport in a decade, emphasizing the lack of oversight in the transportation of detainees and the potential for more deaths under the current administration's policies (The Guardian).
The reliability of The Guardian as a source is high, given its established reputation for investigative journalism. The report includes direct quotes from family members and experts, providing a well-rounded view of the circumstances surrounding Avellaneda Delgado's death. Additionally, NPR's coverage of Blaise's death adds context to the ongoing issues within ICE facilities, although it does not directly relate to the transport claim.
The claim's context is further supported by the fact that deaths in ICE custody have been a significant concern, with multiple reports of inadequate medical care and oversight. The assertion that Avellaneda Delgado's death is a rare occurrence in the context of ICE's operations is consistent with the broader narrative regarding the treatment of detainees (Truth or Fake).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that "the first ICE detainee dies in transit in a decade" is accurate, as it is substantiated by credible news reports detailing the death of Abelardo Avellaneda Delgado while being transported. The evidence indicates a concerning trend regarding the treatment and health care of detainees within the ICE system.
