Criminal illegal alien in ICE custody passes away at Winnfield Correctional Center in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS - Carlos Josue Marchena-Marchena, a 36-year-old criminal illegal alien from Costa Rica, passed away in ICE custody Sept 18, 2026. His criminal history includes convictions for retail fraud and malicious destruction of personal property with a separate arrest for retail fraud second degree, and an arrest for assault.

On Sept. 18, Marchena was found unresponsive and staff at Winnfield Correctional Center immediately called a medical emergency and began life-saving measures. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to prepare transportation of Marchena to Winn Parish Medical Center (WPMC) for advanced medical treatment. Upon arrival at WPMC, medical staff and EMS continued resuscitative efforts. Despite life-saving efforts, at approximately 8:00 am, an onsite physician at WPMC pronounced Marchena deceased. The official cause of death remains pending further medical examination.

U.S Border Patrol arrested Marchena for illegally entering the United States without inspection on or about Feb. 9, 2021. He was convicted of retail fraud April 4, 2024, and malicious destruction of personal property Aug. 12, 2025, in the 58^th District Court in Holland, Michigan. He was arrested by ICE Jan. 14, 2026, after his arrest by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department (Michigan) for assault. On July 29, 2026, a DOJ immigration judge ordered him removed.

While in custody, Marchena received proper medical care and was seen by medical professionals.

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 Costa Rica 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 noncitizen denied emergency care.