Costa Rican Man Dies After deteriorating Health During adn Following ICE Detention
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Randall Gamboa Esquivel, a Costa Rican citizen, died on September 2, 2024, shortly after being deported to his home country in critical condition following approximately eight months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. His family alleges he arrived in a state of health described by his relatives as ‘inhuman’
, suffering from rhabdomyolysis and encephalopathy. The case has prompted a diplomatic inquiry from costa Rica seeking explanations from the United States regarding Gamboa’s medical care and the circumstances surrounding his deportation.
the Costa Rican Foreign Ministry initiated diplomatic follow-up after Gamboa’s death, confirming the action to CNN. Herbert Espinoza,consular chief,stated a formal note was sent to the U.S. State Department requesting detailed data about Gamboa’s medical progression, the treatment he received, and the factors that led to his severely compromised health prior to deportation. This case is considered extraordinary
by the Ministry, as Espinoza indicated it is the first instance in many years of a deported individual returning in such a precarious medical state.
According to Gamboa’s family, they received notification from ICE the day before his arrival in Costa Rica. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed CNN that Gamboa had been diagnosed with unspecified psychosis
and had been provided with appropriate medical and mental health care
. The family disputes the adequacy of that care, given his condition upon return.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2024 | Gamboa’s family receives notification of his impending deportation. |
| September 2, 2024 | Gamboa arrives in Costa Rica via ambulance flight and dies. |
| September 3, 2024 | costa Rican Foreign Ministry confirms diplomatic follow-up with the U.S.State Department. |
The costa rican Foreign Ministry aims to secure a response that addresses the family’s concerns and provides the government with sufficient information to determine what other action is possible at the diplomatic level
, according to Espinoza. Prior to Gamboa’s death, a U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment on private diplomatic communications with CNN.
While awaiting a response from the U.S. State Department, the family of Randall Gamboa Esquivel is seeking accountability for the conditions that led to his deteriorating health and ultimate death. They hope that accountability will be given for the conditions in which Gamboa was returned to the country.
did You Know?
Rhabdomyolysis is a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney failure. Encephalopathy refers to a disease or disorder of the brain.
pro Tip:
Understanding the complexities of immigration detention and the medical care provided within those facilities is crucial for advocating for humane treatment and accountability.
What further steps should the Costa Rican government take to investigate this case? And what safeguards are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
Background on Immigration Detention and Medical Care
Immigration detention has been a subject of increasing scrutiny in recent years, with concerns raised about the conditions of confinement and the quality of medical care provided to detainees. Advocacy groups and legal organizations have documented numerous cases of individuals experiencing inadequate medical attention while in ICE custody,leading to preventable health complications and,in some instances,death. The U.S. government has faced legal challenges regarding its detention practices and the standards of care provided to detainees,especially those with pre-existing medical conditions or mental health issues.[1]
Frequently Asked Questions About ICE Detention and Medical Care
- What is ICE detention? ICE detention refers to the practice of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency holding individuals who are facing immigration proceedings.
- What medical care is provided in ICE detention? ICE is required to provide medical care to detainees, but the quality and accessibility of that care have been frequently questioned.
- What is rhabdomyolysis? Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney damage.
- What is encephalopathy? Encephalopathy is a broad term referring to any disease or disorder of the brain.
- What recourse do families have when a loved one dies in ICE custody? Families can pursue legal action, request investigations, and advocate for policy changes to prevent future deaths.
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