A Senegal national who was in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) passed away on February 23 at the Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.
An autopsy is awaiting completion to ascertain the official cause of death.
Ousmane Ba, 33, originally from Senegal, arrived in the United States at or near Lukeville, Arizona, without undergoing inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration official on August 31, 2023.
Following this, the U.S. Border Patrol served him with a notice and order of expedited removal, citing his inadmissibility as a noncitizen due to the absence of a valid entry document.
U.S. Border Patrol transferred Ba to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans custody on September 4, 2023. Subsequently, he was detained at Winn Correctional Center in Winnfield, where his immigration proceedings continued.
He had been hospitalized in Alexandria since January 30. Following his passing, in accordance with ICE protocols, the relevant authorities were informed of his death, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility.
In addition, ICE informed the Senegal Consulate in New York City of Ba’s passing.
Furthermore, ERO New Orleans staff notified his next of kin.
ICE maintains its commitment to ensuring that individuals in its custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments.
Comprehensive medical care is provided from their arrival throughout their stay.
All individuals in ICE custody undergo medical, dental, and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arrival at each detention facility.
Additionally, they receive a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arriving at a facility.
Access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care is also provided.
Detained noncitizens are never denied emergent care at any point during detention.
Upon receiving an official report of a detained noncitizen’s death, ERO promptly makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders, and the media.
Additionally, within two business days, a news release containing relevant details is posted on the public website in accordance with agency policy. This information can be accessed in the ICE.gov Newsroom.
Furthermore, in compliance with Congressional requirements outlined in the DHS Appropriations Bill (2018), ICE is mandated to publicly release all reports concerning an in-custody death within 90 days.
These reports are available for access on the Detainee Death Reporting page.