El Paso Standard

A Colombian national has died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Phelps County Jail in Rolla, Missouri. Brayan Rayo-Garzon was found unresponsive on April 8, according to ICE officials.

Rayo-Garzon entered the United States without authorization near San Ysidro, California, on November 13, 2023. An immigration judge had ordered his removal to Colombia on June 12, 2024. He was previously detained for shoplifting in 2024, and ICE arrested him again on March 25 following a credit card fraud arrest by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

In line with ICE protocols, the agency notified the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility regarding Rayo-Garzon's death. ICE also informed Rayo-Garzon's next of kin as part of standard procedures.

ICE makes it a point to officially notify Congress, nongovernmental organizations, and the media when a detained individual dies. The agency also posts relevant details on its public website within two business days, consistent with its policy. This information can be found in the ICE Newsroom. Moreover, congressional requirements from the DHS Appropriations Bill of 2018 mandate making public all reports regarding in-custody deaths within 90 days, available on the Detainee Death Reporting page.

ICE emphasizes its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and humane environment for those in its custody. The agency asserts that comprehensive medical care is provided from the time of arrival and throughout the duration of detention. ICE states, "All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility, access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. At no time during detention is a detained illegal alien denied emergent care."