Costa Rican man complained of lack of care for diabetes before his death in ICE custody, family says

Key Points:

• Carlos Josue Marchena Marchena, a 36-year-old Costa Rican detainee with type 1 diabetes, died on September 18 at the Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, marking the third ICE detainee death at the facility in less than six months.
• Family members and a fellow detainee reported Marchena complained of missed insulin shots, inadequate meals, and insufficient water, which worsened his diabetic condition as he was transferred between detention centers.
• The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General found Winn Correctional Center had failed to meet federal standards for medical care, including issues with food storage and medical record-keeping, contributing to concerns about detainee treatment.
• ICE stated Marchena received appropriate medical care, but immigrant advocates and medical experts emphasized that consistent access to insulin, food, and hydration is critical for managing type 1 diabetes, especially under stress.
• Marchena, who had prior misdemeanor convictions and was ordered deported in July, leaves behind four children; his family said his requests for bail and voluntary deportation were denied.