ICE Statement on Death of Detainee in Harlingen, TX Hospital

The National Community Outreach Program of ICE's Office of Policy released the following announcement:

May 13, 2009

Detainee Passes Away at Harlingen Hospital

Harlingen, Texas - Arnoldo Cruz Silva, a 59-year-old Cuban national being held on immigration violations, passed away at the Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas on May 10, 2009. He had been hospitalized for complications related to cancer and leukemia. The preliminary cause of death was natural. Mr. Cruz Silva had been cared for at the Retama Manor Nursing Home in Raymondville, Texas, since February 4, 2009.

The next of kin has been contacted and efforts to notify the Cuban Interest Section at the Swiss Embassy of his passing are on-going. Per ICE protocol, the state and local health and law enforcement agencies have been notified.