A 57-year-old Indian national, Jaspal Singh, who unlawfully entered the United States in June 2023, has passed away while in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Singh's death occurred at the Southeast Georgia Health System’s Camden Campus in St. Mary’s on April 15.
Singh's immigration status had been subject to legal issues for several years. Despite legally entering the US in 1992, he faced deportation proceedings after an immigration judge ordered his removal in January 1998. At an unspecified date, Singh voluntarily returned to India. However, in 2023, he was apprehended by US Customs and Border Protection officers while attempting to reenter the country illegally through the US-Mexico border.
Following his arrest, Singh was transferred to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Atlanta's custody. He was held at the Folkston ICE Processing Centre in Folkston, where his immigration case continued.
The circumstances surrounding Singh's death prompted the initiation of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of his passing. ICE has stressed its commitment to providing comprehensive medical care to all individuals under its custody, including medical, dental, and mental health screenings upon arrival, as well as access to medical appointments and emergency care throughout their detention.
Upon Singh's death, ICE promptly informed the Indian Consulate in New York and notified Singh's family. Additionally, in accordance with agency protocols, official notifications were made to Congress, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the media within two days, and a news release was shared online. Moreover, ICE is obligated by law to disclose all reports related to in-custody deaths within 90 days, as mandated by legislation enacted in 2018.
