Haitian woman dies in ICE custody at South Florida facility

A Haitian woman passed away at an ICE facility in Pompano Beach

A Haitian woman who was being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement died on Friday evening at a detention center in Pompano Beach, as confirmed by ICE officials.

Marie Ange Blaise, aged 44, was declared dead at 8:35 p.m. on April 25 by medical staff at the Broward Transitional Center. The cause of her death is currently being investigated.

Blaise had entered the U.S. without admission or parole on an unspecified date. She was encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Feb. 12 at the Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where she was trying to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina.

On the same day, CBP issued her a Notice of Expedited Removal due to her lack of a valid immigrant visa. Two days later, she was transferred to ICE custody, initially at a staging facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was later moved to the Richwood Correctional Center in Oakdale, Louisiana, and finally to the Broward Transitional Center on April 5.

ICE reported the woman’s death to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The Haitian consulate in Miami was also notified.

According to ICE policy, any deaths of individuals in custody must be reported to Congress, advocacy groups, and the media within two business days. A comprehensive report is further required within 90 days, as mandated by federal law.

The agency emphasized that all detainees receive thorough medical care during their custody, including access to 24-hour emergency services.