Criminal alien from Mexico passes away in ICE custody in Texas

LAREDO, Texas - Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias, a 56-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, passed away in ICE custody Oct. 17, 2026. His criminal history includes an arrest for theft of property July 27, 2004.

On Oct. 17, at approximately 9:48 a.m. CST, Andrade was found unresponsive in his assigned bed at the Rio Grande Processing Center in Laredo, Texas. Security staff declared a medical emergency and immediately began life saving measures. The Laredo Fire Department Emergency Medical Service was called and despite life-saving efforts, at 10:10 a.m. Andrade was declared deceased. The cause of death is unknown. An autopsy will determine the official cause of death.

While in custody, Andrade received proper medical care and was seen by medical professionals. He had a documented medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and anxiety.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Andrade on June 26, 2026, while attempting to enter the U.S. at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas. Andrade, a lawful permanent resident, was determined to have obtained status through fraudulent means by failing to disclose his previous arrest during the review process. He was processed and transferred to ICE custody pending removal proceedings before an immigration judge. He was receiving due process.

Consistent with ICE policy, Enforcement and Removal Operations notified the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Joint Intake Operation Center. The Consulate of Mexico was notified.

ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders, and the media upon reports of in-custody deaths and posts news releases with relevant details on its public website. Information is available in the ICE Newsroom and on the Detainee Death Reporting page.

ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental, and mental health intake screenings within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arriving at a facility, access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. At no time during detention is a detained alien denied emergency care.