Phoenix, AZ – Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas, a 32-year-old Mexican citizen, died at a hospital near Phoenix, Arizona, on August 31st while in the custody of U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The cause of death is currently unknown and under investigation.
Vargas was initially arrested by Flagstaff police on August 2nd on charges related too possession and use of drug paraphernalia. ICE agents afterward took him into custody in Phoenix and transferred him to the Central Arizona Correctional Complex in Florence. He was pronounced dead by a doctor at Mountain Vista Medical Centre.
According to ICE, Vargas had prior arrests in flagstaff, including convictions for driving under the influence in 2018 and 2024. The 2024 conviction resulted in a 10-day jail sentence.
ICE stated it has notified the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Duty, and the Mexican Embassy regarding Vargas’ death, as per agency policy.
“ICE remains committed to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay,” an ICE statement reads. “At no time during detention is a detained illegal alien denied emergent care.”
As of Sunday, ICE reported fourteen deaths have occurred at immigration detention centers across the U.S. this year, including Vargas’.The agency said it will post updates to its website as the investigation progresses.
