ICE Detainee Dies After Release; DHS Stayed Silent

ICE defended the non-disclosure by pointing to a policy change made earlier this year that ended required notices for the deaths of former detainees. "Per ICE policy, when an individual is no longer in ICE custody then ICE will no longer be responsible for monitoring or reviewing deaths that may occur. This is common sense," the agency said. "ICE is not responsible when an individual passes away weeks after leaving their custody."

The agency also said it "remains committed to transparency regarding detainee deaths," and that its updated policy covers "timely notification, review, and reporting of deaths occurring in ICE custody, including notifying next of kin, consulates, Congress and the public."

Menendez went further than a transparency complaint. On August 3, he accused ICE of releasing the man specifically to avoid having to report his death. "That person had lost consciousness, most likely it was a seizure," he told reporters, according to the Huffington Post. "University Hospital made the determination upon that person's initial intake that they had experienced a seizure." Menendez has also said he was given conflicting information about the case.

ICE rejected the broader criticism of detention conditions. "All detainees are provided with proper meals certified by dieticians, as well as quality water, blankets, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers," the agency said. "In fact, ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens."