The elder brother of Demi Adán González, the Cuban man discovered deceased in a solitary cell at an ICE detention facility, disclosed that his sibling was placed in isolation following an altercation where he struck a guard.
Dayán Hernández González, Demi's older brother who now lives in Spain, recounted to CiberCuba that he learned this information through a contact within the prison—an acquaintance of Demi's—using the phone line Demi had used to reach out from inside.
This insider from the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, informed Dayán that Demi had assaulted a guard, leading to his immediate placement in solitary confinement days before he was found dead on April 29. The family challenges the notion that his death was a suicide.
The altercation reportedly took place on the Sunday prior to April 29. "My brother slapped the guard, knocking him to the ground, where he hit his head and started bleeding," Dayán detailed.
The injured guard was taken to a hospital. Demi, however, was directly placed in solitary: "They put my brother in isolation, in 'the hole', as they call it," Dayán quoted his source from the detention center.
Days later, the same contact relayed rumors circulating inside that Demi had ingested a chemical substance and was discovered deceased with "blood-filled eyes and his mouth like that." Yet, the informant expressed doubt over this narrative. "They can't believe it in there, knowing my brother and how well he got along with everyone."
The detention center officials refused to provide the family with explanations. An officer named Valdés, who informed Dayán of the death, stated, "We have no information, we are only required to notify you, but we cannot provide explanations, we are not authorized to give details. Please provide your email, and we will reach out when we have the death certificate."
The mother of the deceased Cuban demands justice. Lourdes González Suárez, residing in Cuba, reacted with a strong statement: "The guards killed him."
A former cellmate condemned the incident, asserting that the physical conditions of the isolation cell make hanging "impossible," contradicting the official story.
ICE has labeled the death as a suspected suicide, while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken up the case for official review.
The family is seeking assistance to repatriate Demi's remains to Cuba while awaiting answers.
Demi's death marks the third Cuban casualty under ICE custody in 2026, contributing to a total of 18 immigrant deaths, the highest number in 22 years according to Physicians for Human Rights. Solitary confinement, which the UN deems torture if exceeding 15 days, is highlighted as a pivotal factor in this case.
Laura Hernández, executive director of Freedom for Immigrants, emphasized, "The vast majority of deaths in detention have been entirely preventable, directly resulting from ICE and prison officials denying critical medical care or failing to adhere to even the most basic emergency protocols."
Key Questions Regarding Demi Adán González's Death
What led to Demi Adán González being placed in solitary confinement?
Demi was placed in solitary confinement after he reportedly slapped a guard, causing an injury.
How did the detention center officials respond to the family's inquiries?
Officials refused to provide the family with details, stating they were only obligated to notify them of the death, but not authorized to give further explanations.
What are the family's beliefs regarding Demi's death?
The family disputes the suicide narrative, with Demi's mother claiming that the guards were responsible for his death.
What is being done to investigate Demi's death?
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken on the case for further investigation.