A 48-year-old immigrant from El Salvador passed away early Friday morning at the D. Ray James ICE Processing Center in Folkston, Georgia, as confirmed by the U.S. immigration agency in an official statement released on Saturday.
The individual was identified as Luis Sandoval. According to ICE, staff discovered him at 1:46 a.m. with a ligature around his neck. Emergency resuscitation efforts were immediately initiated, and Charlton County Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene, but Sandoval was pronounced dead at 2:28 a.m.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the official cause and manner of his death, with an autopsy planned. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has launched its own inquiry at the request of the local sheriff's office.
Concerns Over Detention Center Conditions
The death of Luis Sandoval adds to growing concerns regarding the conditions within immigration detention centers. Stay updated on U.S. immigration news to remain informed about these issues.
ICE noted in their statement that Sandoval's criminal history includes convictions for aggravated assault, making terroristic threats, receiving stolen property, theft by unlawful taking, and a charge of drug possession.
Sandoval entered the United States at an unknown date and location without being admitted or inspected by an immigration officer. He was apprehended by ICE in Newark, New Jersey, on October 2 and transferred to the Folkston facility on October 8, where he was awaiting his initial deportation hearing.
Protests and Tensions at Folkston Detention Center
This tragic event occurs amid heightened tensions at the detention center. Since October 6, hundreds of detainees have been on a hunger strike at Folkston to protest inadequate medical care, prolonged detentions, and unresolved immigration cases. Families and legal representatives estimated up to 500 participants at the peak, although ICE reported on October 16 that only 13 individuals remained on strike.
Additionally, detainees reported an incident where an immigrant was assaulted in the center's dining hall on October 21. However, as of Saturday, it had not been confirmed whether Sandoval was involved or if the incident was related to his death.
Rising Deaths Under ICE Custody
Sandoval's case is part of a record number of deaths under ICE custody during Donald Trump's second term. The 2026 fiscal year ended with 37 deaths, the highest annual total recorded by the agency, a 61% increase from the 23 deaths in 2025, and more than triple the 12 in 2024.
Since Trump returned to office in January 2025, nearly 60 immigrants have died in ICE custody, with 34 of them being Hispanic, according to data compiled by Telemundo from the agency.
The previous case involved Mexican national Emiliano Andrade Covarrubias, 56, who died on October 17 at the Rio Grande Processing Center in Laredo, Texas, as confirmed by ICE.
An April study published in the medical journal JAMA estimated a mortality rate of 88.9 deaths per 100,000 detainees between October 2025 and January 2026, the highest level in 22 years, surpassing even the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers linked the increase to overcrowding, potential oversight failures, and delays in medical care.
Families of deceased immigrants have alleged that their relatives with hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions were denied access to their medications, despite ICE's statement asserting that "emergency care is never denied to a detained foreign national."
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Custody Deaths
What were the charges against Luis Sandoval?
Luis Sandoval had convictions for aggravated assault, making terroristic threats, receiving stolen property, theft by unlawful taking, and drug possession.
How many immigrants have died under ICE custody during Trump's second term?
Since January 2025, almost 60 immigrants have died under ICE custody, with 34 being Hispanic.
What actions are being taken to investigate Sandoval's death?
An autopsy is planned to determine the cause and manner of Sandoval's death, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has initiated an inquiry.