Rep. Ansari Calls for Probe Into ICE’s Handling of Detainee’s Death

Discrepancies Emerge in the Death of Haitian Asylum Seeker in Arizona Detention Facility

The circumstances surrounding the death of Haitian asylum seeker Emmanuel Damas have sparked significant controversy, with conflicting accounts from federal immigration agents and detainees at an Arizona detention center. Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari has called for a deeper investigation into the incident.

Emmanuel Damas, who was held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Florence Correctional Center, reportedly died from sepsis after his complaints of a toothache were allegedly mishandled by federal agents. While ICE maintains that they responded promptly to his symptoms on February 19, Damas’ family claims otherwise, suggesting a lack of appropriate medical attention.

During a recent oversight visit to the Florence facility, Rep. Ansari spoke with fellow inmates of Damas. According to her, the detainees stated that Damas began seeking medical help as early as February 10 and made several attempts—at least seven—to communicate his deteriorating health to agents before he was eventually taken to a hospital.

“The day that Mr. Damas was finally taken to the hospital was because several detainees stood in front of Mr. Damas’ cell and demanded that he receive medical attention,” Ansari told reporters. “At that point, detainees reported that he could barely breathe and barely speak.”

In response to these revelations, Ansari is advocating for an independent investigation to shed light on the conditions within detention centers. She also plans to propose legislation targeting the Trump administration’s ties with private prison companies, referencing an NBC News report about Department of Homeland Security advisor Cory Lewandowski allegedly soliciting payments to protect contracts with DHS.

Further legislative efforts by Ansari include a bill requiring ICE to report on the treatment of inmate injuries and diseases and another to reduce ICE funding. Details of these efforts are available through KJZZ’s report.

Ansari’s visit to both Eloy Detention Center and the Florence Correctional Center underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by ICE detention facilities. She highlighted the subpar treatment of detainees, who she claims are retaliated against for speaking out.

During her observations, Ansari noted the dire conditions, including the provision of chlorinated sink water and inadequate dental care. She cited the case of a 26-year-old Armenian detainee, awaiting dental treatment for over a year, as indicative of broader systemic issues.

Ansari further highlighted the plight of Arbella “Yari” Rodriguez Marquez, a constituent with leukemia detained at Eloy. Despite receiving improved medication, Yari’s health continues to suffer, possibly due to unsanitary conditions.