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Ukrainian man dies in ICE custody after medical crisis, delayed emergency care

Feb 20, 2025 · Miami, FL, Ukraine

Ukrainian man dies in ICE custody after medical crisis, delayed emergency care

Maksym Chernyak, a 44-year-old Ukrainian man who entered the U.S. legally under a humanitarian parole program in August 2024, was arrested in January 2025 following an assault charge and placed in ICE custody at Krome detention center in Miami. In the days before his death, Chernyak reported fever, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and blood in his stool, but was not seen by a doctor for several days and his elevated blood pressure went untreated. On February 18, 2025, while in an overcrowded hold room with approximately 30 other people, he experienced a severe medical crisis—suffering multiple seizures, vomiting blood, and becoming unresponsive. When cellmates screamed for help, staff took 15 to 20 minutes to respond and initially accused him of drug use; toxicology reports later confirmed he had not been intoxicated. He was transported to a hospital where he was declared brain dead and died two days later. His wife said he had been in good health before detention and was pressured to sign documents without a translator.

Timeline

Feb 20, 2025Chernyak declared brain dead and died; toxicology reports confirmed he had not been intoxicated
Feb 18, 2025In early morning hours, Chernyak began vomiting, drooling, and experiencing seizures in overcrowded hold room; staff took 15 to 20 minutes to respond and accused him of drug use; he was transported to hospital unresponsive
Feb 17, 2025Chernyak reported irregular heartbeat and blood in his stool; had been experiencing fever, chest pain, and other symptoms for days without medical evaluation
Jan 2025Chernyak arrested following an assault charge and placed in ICE custody at Krome detention center in Miami
Aug 2024Maksym Chernyak entered the U.S. legally under a humanitarian parole program

Sources

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