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Mexican national dies of COVID pneumonia in ICE detention, judge orders facility improvements

Mar 25, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA, Mexico

Mexican national dies of COVID pneumonia in ICE detention, judge orders facility improvements

Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano, a 52-year-old Mexican national married to Antonia Tovar for 28 years with two adult children, died of COVID-19 pneumonia at Adelanto ICE Processing Center on March 25, 2026. He was arrested by ICE on February 23 after appearing at a courthouse in Torrance for a traffic ticket, following a conviction for possession of a controlled substance and theft. During intake screening, staff documented pre-existing medical conditions including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. His wife reported that despite these documented conditions, he did not receive adequate medical care during his month-long detention, complaining of poor food, crowded conditions, and lack of medicine for minor ailments. On the evening of his death, he removed his shirt while feeling feverish, lost consciousness, and was pronounced dead at Victor Valley Global Medical Center approximately one hour after emergency services were called. His death was one of at least 14 ICE custody deaths reported between January and late March 2026. A federal judge subsequently ordered sweeping improvements to Adelanto, including potable water, adequate sanitation, improved medical care, and appointment of independent monitors.

Timeline

Mar 25, 2026Ramos-Solano found unresponsive in his bunk, removed to Victor Valley Global Medical Center, pronounced dead of COVID-19 pneumonia
Feb 23, 2026Jose Ramos-Solano arrested by ICE at courthouse in Torrance while appearing for traffic ticket
Feb 23, 2026Intake screening at Adelanto documented pre-existing medical conditions: diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension
Post-3/25/2026Federal judge ordered sweeping improvements to Adelanto facility including potable water, sanitation, medical care, and independent monitors

Sources

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