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Mexican immigrant Gabriel García Avilés dies in ICE custody after arrest in Costa Mesa

Oct 23, 2025 · Victorville, CA, Mexico

Mexican immigrant Gabriel García Avilés dies in ICE custody after arrest in Costa Mesa

Gabriel García Avilés, 56, a Mexican immigrant who had lived in the United States for over 30 years and held a work permit, was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol on October 14, 2025, during a roving operation in Costa Mesa, California. He was transferred to ICE custody and moved to Adelanto ICE Processing Center on October 15. Avilés was subsequently hospitalized at Victor Valley Global Medical Center in critical condition. He died on October 23, 2025. ICE and hospital staff attributed his death to cardiac arrest resulting from suspected alcohol withdrawal symptoms. His family reported poor communication from detention staff, concerning hospital conditions, and observed physical injuries on Avilés including dried blood, cuts, broken teeth, and bruising. His family requested that medical staff cease resuscitation attempts.

Timeline

Oct 23, 2025Gabriel García Avilés died from cardiac arrest; family requested cessation of resuscitation attempts
Oct 15, 2025Avilés transferred to ICE custody and moved to Adelanto ICE Processing Center
Oct 15, 2025Avilés hospitalized at Victor Valley Global Medical Center in critical condition
Oct 14, 2025Gabriel García Avilés arrested by U.S. Border Patrol during roving operation in Costa Mesa

Sources

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