Ismael Ayala-Uribe death: Family and friends seek answers after Orange County man dies in ICE custody
People gathered in Westminster on Saturday for a benefit event to help the family of a man who died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody this week.
Ismael Ayala-Uribe, 39, died on Monday at a hospital after five weeks at the Adelanto detention center. His death is now under investigation.
At Saturday's benefit, the community honored his life through food.
Ayala-Uribe's loved ones organized the pop-up event, selling lunch plates to raise money for his funeral.
Friends describe the 39-year-old as a beautiful soul.
"He was kind. He was friendly. He was someone who was always there to help anybody who needed it," said neighbor Christine Bone.
Ayala-Uribe had been in custody at the Adelanto detention center since mid-August after border patrol agents detained him at the Huntington Beach car wash where he worked.
While in custody, his health took a turn. Family members say he looked pale and thin.
According to a statement from ICE, Ayala-Uribe was evaluated by medical staff on Sept. 18 after complaining of pain. He was given medication and returned to his cell.
A couple of days later, his condition got worse. According to authorities, his blood pressure was high and his heartbeat was unusually fast. He was taken to Victor Valley Global Medical Center for surgery on an abscess, but became unresponsive and was later confirmed dead.
Family and friends say they're suspicious.
"For five weeks -- from being taken to death. That man was not a sick man. That man was a healthy man, and it is enraging that he has passed away this way," Bone said.
"I'm shocked and in dismay about how he was treated and how it happened," neighbor Eileen Brandenburger said. "No one should have that kind of ending to their life."
Ayala-Uribe was a Mexican immigrant who came to the U.S. as a child and received protection through the DACA program in 2012, but he was denied renewal after two DUI arrests. The latter conviction resulted in jail time.
Back at the benefit, loved ones said they believe the ICE detainments have been inhumane.
Eve Salgado said her relative was in custody with Ayala-Uribe.
"He said that's not a good place to be, and the way they are treating him is not nice," Salgado said.
"We need to bring awareness to what is going on. A lot of people are in fear," said family friend Tony Castaneda.
"It cannot happen again. Someone else's family cannot go through this," Brandenburger said.
ICE says comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive at their facilities and throughout their stay.
According to ICE records, at least 14 detainees have died in custody since January.
