A 19-year-old from Mexico died at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven early Monday morning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said.
Royer Perez-Jimenez was found unconscious and unresponsive by a detention center officer around 2:34 a.m., according to a news release from ICE. Staff immediately began CPR, and medical personnel arrived shortly after, determining he had no pulse and initiating further resuscitation efforts.
Moore Haven Fire Rescue units arrived and provided life-sustaining interventions, ICE said. The agency believes Perez-Jimenez died by suicide, though the official cause of death remains under investigation.
ICE stated that Perez-Jimenez was evaluated by medical staff upon arrival at the detention center in late February and denied any behavioral health issues or concerns, answering “no” to all suicide screening questions.
He was taken into ICE custody on February 21 and transferred to the Glades County Detention Center on February 26. Perez-Jimenez initially entered the U.S. On February 19, 2022, and was granted a voluntary return to Mexico by U.S. Border Patrol the same day. ICE reported he reentered the U.S. On an unknown date.
According to ICE policy, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility were notified. The Mexico consulate and Perez-Jimenez’s next of kin were also informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges was Royer Perez-Jimenez facing?
Royer Perez-Jimenez was arrested by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony fraud for impersonation and misdemeanor resisting an officer.
When did Perez-Jimenez first enter the United States?
Perez-Jimenez first entered the U.S. On February 19, 2022, according to ICE.
Who was notified following Perez-Jimenez’s death?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, the Mexico consulate, and Perez-Jimenez’s next of kin or designated contact were all notified, according to ICE.
What factors might contribute to the vulnerability of individuals in immigration detention?
