ICE deported Costa Rican man to home country in vegetative state
Jan 11, 2026
Country of origin: Costa Rica

Randall Gamboa Esquivel, a Costa Rican man, was detained by ICE after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in December 2024. During nearly 10 months in detention at facilities in south Texas, his health deteriorated significantly, and he was deported to Costa Rica in September 2025 in a vegetative state. He died five weeks later without regaining consciousness, while his family and authorities remain unclear about what caused his severe health decline while in ICE custody.
Sources
- Family seeks answers after ICE deported man to Costa Rica in vegetative state
The Guardian·Jan 11, 2026·archived copy
- Costa Rican Deported in Dire Condition
ticosland.com·Sep 23, 2025·archived copy
- Murió el inmigrante que regresó a Costa Rica en estado crítico tras 8 meses bajo custodia de ICE
KTVZ·Oct 27, 2025·archived copy
- CourtListener
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