Haitian Woman's Death in ICE Detention Center Confirmed by Officials in South Florida

According to information from ICE, a 44-year-old Haitian national, Marie Ange Blaise, passed away last Friday night while being held at a detention facility. Medical personnel at the Broward Transitional Center declared her deceased at 8:35 p.m. on April 25. The exact reasons for her death are still being examined.

Transfers Across Various ICE Facilities Preceded Her Death

Authorities disclosed that Blaise entered the United States without proper documentation at an unknown time. On February 12, she was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection while attempting to board a flight in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, destined for Charlotte, North Carolina.

That day, she received a Notice of Expedited Removal due to the absence of a valid immigrant visa and was later handed over to ICE on February 14. Her journey through ICE custody began at a facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then moved to the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana, and finally to the Broward Transitional Center on April 5.

ICE has communicated the incident to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as its Office of Inspector General and Office of Professional Responsibility. The Haitian consulate located in Miami has also been notified about Blaise’s demise.

ICE protocols require that any deaths in detention be reported promptly to Congress, advocacy organizations, and the media within two business days. Additionally, a comprehensive report must be compiled and submitted within 90 days in compliance with federal statutes.

The agency has emphasized that it provides all detainees with full medical services, including round-the-clock emergency care during their detainment.