On April 25, 2025, Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian immigrant, died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at the Broward Transition Center, located in Pompano Beach, Florida.
His death has raised concerns about conditions in U.S. immigration detention centers at a time of increased detention of undocumented immigrants due to Trump’s policies.
Detention and transfer
Marie Ange Blaise was detained on February 12, 2025 by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands as she attempted to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina.
That same day, CBP issued an expedited removal order on the grounds that he did not possess a legal visa to remain in the country.
On February 14, Marie Ange Blaise was transferred to ICE custody and detained at the San Juan, Puerto Rico detention center.
Seven days later, she was transferred to Richwood Correctional Center in Oakdale, Louisiana. Finally, on April 5, she was sent to the Broward Transitional Center in Florida.
Circumstances of death
ICE reported that Marie Ange Blaise was pronounced dead on the evening of April 25, by doctors at the Broward Transitional Center.
The cause of his death is under investigation and authorities have not provided details of his previous medical condition.
According to ICE policy, in cases of deaths in ICE custody, medical and compliance reviews must be conducted and reports shared with the appropriate parties.
In addition, ICE must notify family members, the appropriate consulate, and the public within two business days of the death.
Conditions in detention centers
Activists in Florida have denounced conditions in ICE detention centers, including overcrowding and lack of adequate medical care.
In March 2025, hundreds of demonstrators protested in front of the Krome North Detention Center, demanding ICE accountability for the status of immigrant detainees.
This center has recorded the death of two foreigners in its custody so far this year.
The Broward Transition Center, where Blaise died, is operated by the private company GEO Group under contract with ICE.
It is intended to house immigrants classified as “non-criminal and low security”.
They demand answers and justice for the death of the Haitian immigrant who was in ICE custody
Implications and calls to action
Buzzy
The death of Marie Ange Blaise has reignited the debate over conditions in U.S. immigration detention centers.
Human rights organizations and immigrant advocates have urged authorities to conduct thorough investigations and implement reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of people in ICE custody.
This case highlights the need for stricter oversight and policies that prioritize human rights in the immigration detention system.
Find out more at QueOnnda.com.
