Tragic Death of 19-Year-Old Mexican National at Glades County Detention Center Sparks Investigation
A 19-year-old individual from Mexico passed away at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven early Monday morning, as confirmed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. The officer at the detention center found Royer Perez-Jimenez unconscious and unresponsive around 2:34 a.m. on Monday. Following the discovery, a medical emergency was declared in the dormitory, and staff immediately began CPR. Medical professionals arrived shortly after and took over resuscitation efforts upon determining that Perez-Jimenez had no pulse. Moore Haven Fire Rescue units arrived soon after to provide life-sustaining interventions for Perez-Jimenez.
ICE stated that the cause of Perez-Jimenez's death is believed to be suicide, but an official investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause. Perez-Jimenez was arrested by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office on Jan. 22 for felony fraud and misdemeanor resisting an officer. He was placed under an immigration detainer on the same day and transferred to ICE custody on Feb. 21. Subsequently, he was moved to the Glades County Detention Center on Feb. 26. Upon his arrival at the center, Perez-Jimenez underwent a medical evaluation and responded negatively to all suicide screening questions.
According to ICE, Perez-Jimenez initially entered the U.S. on Feb. 19, 2022, and was granted voluntary return to Mexico by the U.S. Border Patrol on the same day. However, he reentered the U.S. at an undisclosed later date. Following the incident, ICE notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility through the Integrity Coordination Center. Additionally, the Mexico consulate and Perez-Jimenez's next of kin or designated contact were informed of the situation.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Royer Perez-Jimenez at the Glades County Detention Center has raised concerns and prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing. ICE officials are working to determine the cause of death and ensure that proper protocols were followed in this unfortunate incident.