Isidro Perez, a 75-year-old Cuban national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), passed away on June 26 at HCA Kendall Florida Hospital. The cause of death is currently under investigation.
Perez was held at the Krome Service Processing Center Medical Housing Unit when he reported chest pains around 7 p.m. Miami Dade Rescue responded and administered life-saving measures, including an Automated External Defibrillator shock and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although Perez initially responded to these interventions, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital at 8:42 p.m.
Perez had been arrested by ICE on June 5, 2025, during a law enforcement operation in Key Largo for charges related to inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act. He was transferred to Krome Service Processing Center on June 6, where he was diagnosed with several medical conditions upon intake. On June 17, he was admitted to Larkin Community Hospital due to unstable angina and esquimes changes observed on an EKG but was discharged on June 25.
Perez entered the United States through Houston on April 1, 1966. He had prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance in February 1981 and January 1984 by the United States Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Following ICE policy, notifications were made to relevant authorities including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center, and telephone notification to the Consulate of Cuba.
ICE is required by congressional mandates described in the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018 to make public all reports regarding deaths in custody within 90 days. These reports are accessible on ICE’s Detainee Death Reporting page.
ICE emphasizes its commitment to providing safe environments for those in custody with comprehensive medical care from arrival throughout their stay. This includes medical screenings within hours of arrival at detention facilities and access to emergency care as needed.
