The recent death of a man from Flagstaff while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody has prompted several Democratic lawmakers to demand answers regarding the events surrounding his passing. The man, Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas, was a Mexican national who spent much of his life in Flagstaff.
Senator Theresa Hatathlie of Northern Arizona expressed her sadness upon hearing the news of Batrez Vargas’s death on August 31. He passed away while detained at the Central Arizona Correctional Complex in Florence, and his family has alleged that he did not receive adequate medical attention for COVID-19 during his time there.
ICE issued a statement affirming that detainees have access to medical care and are not denied emergency services, but concerns remain about the overall treatment of individuals in such facilities. “The treatment of individuals in these facilities raises serious concerns about the humanity and accountability of ICE operations. Families and communities deserve answers,” Hatathlie stated.
Echoing these concerns, State Senator Minority Speaker Catherine Miranda emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Law enforcement, including ICE, is meant to protect the community. That protection includes holding officers who are responsible for the mistreatment of individuals to be held accountable. Lorenzo’s family deserves answers regarding his death.”
Additionally, Representative Mariana Sandoval described Batrez Vargas’s death as “tragic and unavoidable,” and highlighted the growing number of fatalities in ICE custody, particularly those involving private prison contractors. She stated, “The rising toll of deaths in ICE custody – especially in custody of private prison contractors — cannot be ignored.”
As of now, 12 people nationally have died while in ICE custody this year, amid the Trump administration’s widespread immigration crackdown.
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