Alien in ICE custody passes away in Texas after long-term hospitalization

HARLINGEN, Texas - Adrian Andreas Florian, an 85-year-old illegal alien from Germany, passed away in ICE custody June 24. Florian was transferred to the Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen on Nov. 4, 2025, for dementia concerns in addition to his history of high blood pressure, cognitive impairment, and ulcers. Florian continued to receive care under close medical supervision until his passing. The on-site physician at the Valley Baptist Medical Center pronounced Florian deceased at 4:30 a.m. His official cause of death is currently pending an autopsy.

Florian applied for admission to the United States on Aug. 28, 2025, at the Colombia Solidary Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo. He did not possess valid documentation and was deemed inadmissible into the United States. He was processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a visa waiver refusal and referred to a Department of Justice immigration judge. On Aug. 29, 2025, Florian was transferred to ICE custody. On Oct. 1, ICE placed him at a rehabilitation and assisted living center.

Consistent with ICE policy, ERO notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Joint Intake Center. ERO also notified the Consulate General of Germany in accordance with international and domestic laws, as well as Florian's next of kin or other designated contact.

ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders and the media upon official reports of in-custody alien deaths and posts news releases with relevant details on ICE's public website. You may access this information in ICE.gov's Newsroom. You may access these reports on ICE.gov's 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.