By Amy Cutler | AZ Family
As deaths in ICE custody climb sharply nationwide, the plans to build a large detention facility in Surprise continue.
Deaths in ICE custody or detention have tripled from 11 in 2024 to 33 in 2025, according to data. This year, there have already been 13 deaths.
Emmanuel Damas, 56, came to the U.S. from Haiti two years ago. He was picked up by ICE following a domestic incident.
ICE confirmed he was being held in Arizona when he died at a Valley hospital earlier this month. His brother said he developed a tooth infection while in custody that went untreated.
“Detainees described Mr. Damas in excruciating pain. They called the medical care ‘fatal.’ His face had swollen to the size of a potato. He could no longer speak or walk,” Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari said during a floor speech late last week.
Ansari demanded an independent investigation of Damas’ case.
“Every time I visit these detention facilities, it brings me to tears. It’s sickening. It’s traumatizing. It’s deeply un-American,” Ansari said.
Darius Amiri, an immigration attorney at Rose Law Group who visits detention centers almost weekly, said many of his clients are in ICE custody.
“Does it seem like these facilities are equipped to handle the number of people they’re holding? I would say no,” Amiri said.
When asked what the facilities are like, Amiri said, “It’s jail. But it’s jail for people who aren’t necessarily used to being in jail.”
