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Chinese national dies after seizure in ICE custody at California detention facility

Sep 29, 2025 · Imperial County, CA, China

Huabing Xie, a Chinese national, died on September 29, 2025, at El Centro Regional Medical Center after experiencing a seizure while in custody at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility in Calexico, California. Xie was initially arrested by Border Patrol near Tecate on December 31, 2023, and released on recognizance. He was re-arrested on September 12, 2025, in Indio and transferred to ICE custody. When he experienced an apparent seizure on September 29, facility staff performed CPR and life-saving measures before transporting him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His death marks at least the 20th death in ICE custody since Trump's inauguration in 2025, prompting calls from immigrant justice groups for an investigation and public release of findings.

Timeline

Sep 29, 2025Xie experienced a seizure while in custody at Imperial Regional Detention Facility; CPR and life-saving measures performed; transported to El Centro Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead
Sep 12, 2025Xie re-arrested in Indio and transferred to ICE custody
Dec 31, 2023Huabing Xie arrested by Border Patrol near Tecate and released on recognizance

Sources

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