Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias, a 56-year-old Mexican national and father to three American children, passed away on Saturday while detained at an ICE facility in Laredo, Texas. His family alleges that his health concerns were overlooked by staff who also failed to provide him with necessary medications.
His daughter, Estefani Andrade, 29, told The Texas Tribune that her father was suffering from a heart condition, diabetes, and hypertension, and had his medications with him when he was detained in June upon returning from Mexico by bus.
However, Estefani claims that the facility staff withheld these treatments and ignored his repeated requests for medical attention, even when he experienced difficulty breathing and chest pain.
"They simply ignored him," said Estefani, recounting what her father shared with her during his detention.
Andrade-Covarrubias also dealt with a persistent cough that worried his family, a lingering effect from a previous COVID-19 hospitalization in 2021. Estefani noted the visible decline in her father's health during their video calls.
He was discovered unresponsive around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, during a routine safety check at the Rio Grande Processing Center. Staff attempted resuscitation and emergency services were contacted, as confirmed by Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar.
The cause of his death remains under investigation, pending an autopsy by the Webb County Medical Examiner's Office.
Adding to the family's distress was how they learned of his passing. Estefani said they were informed by the medical examiner's office, not directly by U.S. federal agencies. Meanwhile, the Mexican Foreign Ministry reported that ICE notified the consulate in Laredo, which then contacted the family.
Having lived in Dallas for decades, Andrade-Covarrubias worked as a painter for apartments and homes. He had three children born in the United States and was building a house in Mexico, where he dreamed of permanently returning.
Following the incident, Congressman Cuellar visited the detention center on Sunday, seeking details about its medical procedures. According to the Laredo Morning Times, facility officials did not address specific questions about the death due to the ongoing investigation.
The facility is operated by private company The GEO Group on behalf of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The company redirected inquiries to the federal agency, while the Department of Homeland Security had not responded to requests for comments.
Mexico Demands Investigation Into Death
The Mexican Government has called for a "prompt, thorough, and transparent" investigation, with President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing plans to file a complaint in the United States to clarify the circumstances.
This incident brings the total of Mexicans who have died in U.S. custody or during immigration operations to 18 since January 20, 2025, according to Mexican authorities.
Andrade-Covarrubias is the seventh person to die in ICE custody in Texas during 2026 and the second in Laredo's immigration facilities.
His death highlights growing concerns over detention conditions. Fiscal year 2026 ended with a record 37 deaths in ICE custody, as human rights organizations warn about rising mortality rates in these centers.
For Estefani, the focus now is to support her mother, who is deeply affected by the loss.
"When she received the news, she was disoriented. It's impacting her significantly," Estefani confessed.
Questions About Death in ICE Custody
What were the health conditions Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias was suffering from?
Emiliano suffered from a heart condition, diabetes, and hypertension.
How did the family learn about Andrade-Covarrubias's death?
The family was informed by the medical examiner's office, not directly by federal agencies.
What actions has the Mexican Government taken in response to this incident?
The Mexican Government has demanded a "prompt, thorough, and transparent" investigation and plans to file a complaint in the U.S.