Isidro Pérez, a 75-year-old man with a rich history tied to the sea, has tragically died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His unexpected passing has raised serious concerns over the treatment of elderly detainees within the immigration system.
Pérez spent his formative years by the ocean in Cuba and later settled on a houseboat off the coast of Key Largo, surrounded by his beloved dogs. After arriving in the U.S. at the age of 16 in 1966, he built his life working as both a mechanic and fisherman. Despite a conviction for marijuana possession in the early 1980s, his family claims he transformed his life and made significant positive contributions to his community. His daughter and stepchildren had even offered to help him secure an apartment in his later years, but Pérez turned down the offer, preferring the freedom of his boat.
Described as a free spirit, Pérez was arrested by five immigration officers on June 5 while at a community center in Key Largo. A photo captured of his arrest shows the elderly man with a long white beard, hands secured behind his back. He was subsequently transported to the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami, where he would remain for only a few weeks before his tragic death.
On June 26, Pérez passed away in ICE custody, just three weeks after his arrest. Reports from government sources indicate that he had suffered from a heart condition and had been hospitalized just a day prior to his death. “I don’t understand what’s really going on, we’re all human,” stated his stepdaughter, Alba Patricia Gomez. She expressed her disbelief at the arrest of a 75-year-old man, underscoring the human element involved in such detentions.
Pérez marked a grim milestone as the fifth person to die in ICE custody in Florida within the current year, according to official records. Alarmingly, half of all deaths reported in ICE custody nationally since January have occurred in Florida. The official cause of Pérez’s death is still under investigation, leaving his family and community seeking answers in the wake of their loss.
Tom Homan, who serves as the U.S. border czar, commented on Pérez’s case, emphasizing that fatalities occur in various forms of detention, including county jails and state prisons. He redirected the inquiry towards the number of lives saved by ICE, asserting that many detainees are discovered to be suffering from untreated ailments, which are then addressed upon their intake.
Pérez’s death followed closely after the suspicion-laden demise of Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian man found unresponsive in a Miami federal detention center on June 23. Reports claim that previous deaths in ICE custody in early 2023 were ruled as natural causes, but an investigation by the Miami Herald revealed issues related to inadequate or delayed medical care.
A statement from ICE emphasized its commitment to ensuring that all detainees are held in environments that are safe and humane. The agency claimed that no detainee is denied emergency medical care during their time in custody, a claim that casts doubt in light of Pérez’s untimely demise following a short hospital stay.
Family members pointed to Pérez’s criminal record from the 1980s as the legal basis for his detention. He had been convicted of conspiracy and possession related to marijuana trafficking, receiving an 18-month sentence and subsequent probation following his incarceration. His family insists that he had transformed his life after those early stumbles, dedicating himself to helping others by fixing cars and caring for stray animals.
Maria Alaniz, who had a significant romantic and personal connection with Pérez, underscored his character as an exceptional individual and indicated the unfortunate circumstances leading up to his death. She noted his worsening health, reporting that he had suffered from multiple heart issues and a shoulder fracture, requiring her assistance with daily meals and medical appointments in his final years.
After his detention, Pérez was subjected to a medical intake, where he was diagnosed with several health problems. Shortly thereafter, he was admitted to the hospital with unstable angina, a condition that reduces blood flow to the heart. Unfortunately, after being discharged from the hospital, he experienced acute chest pain at the Krome facility and subsequently passed away.
In their last conversation, Alaniz recalled Pérez’s promise to call her the following day, a heart-wrenching reminder of their bond. On a more poignant note, she recounted a dream wherein he was calling for help while lying on a stretcher, only to be met with silence and tragedy.
Amidst the sadness enveloping his family and friends due to his passing, there is an additional layer of heartache concerning Pérez’s beloved chihuahuas. After his arrest, two of the dogs were taken into Alaniz’s care, while the third, named Chulo, was left in a humane society’s custody. Tragically, Chulo managed to escape, only to be hit by a vehicle, an event that his family believes exacerbated the emotional turmoil following Pérez’s arrest.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pérez’s death continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by elderly individuals within the immigration system. The community is left grappling with the shocking reality of losing a cherished member, highlighting the urgent need for humane and just treatment of all individuals, regardless of age or immigration status.
image source from：tampabay
