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LOS ANGELES () — Immigration officials in the United States say the system is transparent. Mexico will tell you it’s failing. That debate is part of a growing dispute between the Mexican government and U.S. immigration officials over an apparent surge of in-custody deaths.
Grieving family members of a Los Angeles man spoke out and demanded action Monday, after their loved one, Jose Guadalupe Ramos-Solano, died last Wednesday while in immigration custody in Adelanto.
His case has the attention of the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. Ramos’ family members stood alongside the Consuls General in Los Angeles and San Bernardino during a press event Monday, as part of increasing efforts by the Mexican government to safeguard the rights of Mexican nationals in U.S. detention.
According to Mexico’s government, 14 Mexican nationals have died in immigration custody nationwide since January 2025.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ramos was arrested by agents in Torrance five weeks ago on Feb. 23. He was previously arrested by Redondo Beach police and convicted in 2025 on drug and theft charges.
Ramos’ death, confirmed by ICE, is the most recent example of a Mexican national who has died allegedly under similar circumstances – widening the divide over what’s happening inside America’s immigration detention system.
Speaking Monday, Vanessa Calva Ruiz, director general for Consular Protection and Strategic Planning, attributed the 14 deaths to operational deficiencies and possible negligence.
“I would like to convey my deepest and sincere condolences to the family and to the other 13 families that have tragically lost a loved one,” Calva Ruiz said.
She added, “Mr. Jose Guadalupe’s case is not an isolated case, but rather a reflection of an alarming and unacceptable trend.”
The allegations are part of a lawsuit announced Monday. The government of Mexico announced intentions to file an amicus brief in the class action lawsuit addressing the confinement conditions at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, operated by GEO Group.
Ramos’ widow and children also spoke to the media Monday, with their attorney present. They say Ramos had lived in the U.S. for 28 years. His son, Jose Ramos, visibly emotional, described his father as a “good dad, a good person,” adding he “was not a criminal, he was a hard worker.”
“What happened to my dad was very inhumane,” daughter Gloria Ramos said. “I think my family and I deserve to know the truth of what happened to my dad.”
The Department of Homeland Security says while in custody, Ramos received constant medical care for several medical issues, including diabetes and hypertension, discovered during his intake at the facility. According to ICE, Ramos was found March 25 by Adelanto security staff, unconscious and unresponsive in his bunk.
In its statement, ICE said “staff immediately initiated life-saving procedures, and he was taken to Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville, where he was pronounced deceased.”
His official cause of death hasn’t been released.
According to the DHS statement released Monday, ICE maintains its health protocols are not inhumane.
“ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental, and mental health intake screenings within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility; a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility; access to medical appointments; and 24-hour emergency care. At no time during detention is a detained alien denied emergency care.”
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