Markey, Warren, Pressley Slam Trump Admin. for Deaths of Emmanuel Damas, Other Detained Immigrants in ICE Custody, Demand ICE Provide Proper Medical Treatment to Detainees

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (March 5, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) today wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Emmanuel Damas, a 56-year-old Haitian asylum-seeker and Massachusetts community member who died in ICE custody on March 2. ICE's failure to provide timely medical care to Mr. Damas appears to have contributed to his worsening medical condition and tragic death. Mr. Damas is, at least, the tenth person to die in ICE's custody this year. The lawmakers also urge DHS to adhere to its own standards and provide proper medical treatment to detainees in its care.

In February 2026, Mr. Damas first informed staff at the Florence detention center in Arizona that he was suffering from a bad toothache. Facility staff supplied him with over-the-counter medications but reportedly denied him dental treatment. On February 19, Mr. Damas informed his family that his condition had significantly worsened and that he would be taken to a hospital. The following day, the Damas family learned from staff at the HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center that Mr. Damas was suffering from pneumonia, had been placed on life support in the Intensive Care Unit, and remained in critical condition. The hospital declined to release Mr. Damas's medical information and redirected his brother, Presly Nelson, to ICE, which provided him no information.

On February 23, Mr. Nelson contacted the ICE facility again and was informed that his brother had been moved back into detention but was given no information on his medical condition. Senator Markey reached out to ICE that same day, requesting an update on Mr. Damas's health status and physical location. ICE did not provide satisfactory answers. Several days later, the Damas family learned that Mr. Damas was hospitalized again and was scheduled for surgery on February 26. On March 2, Mr. Damas died.

In their letter, the lawmakers urge, "Despite a dramatic increase in the number of detainees held by ICE, the Administration has failed to properly care for these individuals. Reports of improper and untimely medical treatment abound. DHS is also repeatedly violating its own guidance governing the medical care of detainees. ICE's national detention standards mandate that '[a]ll detainees shall have access to appropriate medical, dental, and mental health care, including emergency services.' The standards also specify that '[e]mergency dental treatment shall be provided for immediate relief of pain, trauma, and acute oral infection.' As Mr. Damas's death tragically highlights, individuals in ICE's custody are not treated in accordance with the standards governing ICE's conduct."

The lawmakers request answers to questions that include:

• Did Mr. Damas submit any verbal or written requests for medical attention or any complaints about his physical condition during his time in detention?
• What was Mr. Damas's medical history at the time of his intake into ICE custody?
• When did any staff at the Florence detention center first become aware of Mr. Damas's complaint regarding his tooth pain?
• When did medical staff become aware that Mr. Damas's condition required emergency treatment or admittance to a hospital?
• Who was the medical provider contracted to deliver healthcare services at the outside facility or hospital where Mr. Damas was treated at the time of his death?
• What was the official cause of Mr. Damas's death? Was an independent autopsy conducted or made available to the family?
• Was Mr. Damas's family informed by any staff at the Florence detention center of his deteriorating health condition prior to his death?
• Has ICE initiated a formal investigation into the death of Mr. Damas?

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