Haitian woman dies in US immigration detention
At least six others have died in ICE custody in fiscal 2025, which began in October, ICE data shows.
A Haitian woman who was among those held in allegedly inhumane conditions has died after more than 10 weeks in immigration custody.
Marie Ange Blaise, 44, was stopped by federal agents at an airport in Saint Croix, in the Virgin Islands, in mid-February as she prepared to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In a statement, ICE said Blaise didn't have a valid immigrant visa, though additional details about her immigration status weren't immediately available.
"We strongly believe her death could have been prevented," said Guerline Jozef, director of the nonprofit Haitian Bridge Alliance, which advocates for migrant rights. "We will continue to demand accountability and protection for people in ICE custody."
ICE initially transferred Blaise to a San Juan, Puerto Rico, holding facility, where she was held alongside other immigrant women apprehended at the San Juan airport. The group was eventually transferred to the Krome North Processing Center in Miami.
Several of the detained women spoke with Paste BN in March on condition of anonymity about the allegedly poor conditions in ICE custody on the way to, and inside, Krome.
Blaise didn't speak to Paste BN but the women confirmed she was present during the ordeal. They alleged ICE kept them handcuffed and chained on a bus for numerous hours without access to a bathroom; crammed into overcrowded cells; and refused to provide access to basic supplies or medical care.
Later, the women, including Blaise, were transferred to a privately run Louisiana ICE detention facility, where she spent seven weeks.
On April 5, ICE transferred Blaise to the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, ICE said in a statement.
Blaise died April 25 at 8:35 p.m.
"The cause of death is under investigation," ICE said in a statement.
At least six others have died in ICE custody in fiscal 2025, which began in October, ICE data shows.
Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com.