Illegal Alien Dies in Custody After Conviction for Abuse

LOS ANGELES — Alberto Gutierrez-Reyes, 48, a Mexican national and convicted criminal illegal alien, succumbed to his injuries at Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville on February 27. His life came to an end at 12:58 a.m., following hospitalization for chest pain and shortness of breath.

Gutierrez-Reyes had entered the United States without inspection, and was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on March 25, 2010, for inflicting corporal injury upon a spouse or cohabitant. Convicted on March 29, 2010, he was sentenced to diversion.

He was rearrested by U.S. Border Patrol during immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles on January 9 and turned over to ICE custody. He was placed into immigration proceedings on January 11 and transferred to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center on January 12, pending his removal proceedings.

On January 12, following his medical intake exam, no significant concerns were reported by Gutierrez-Reyes. However, on February 25, he experienced faintness. An on-site medical provider ordered his transfer to Victor Valley Global Medical Center for evaluation. There, he was admitted for chest pain and shortness of breath. Early on the morning of February 27, he became unresponsive, prompting medical staff to initiate life-saving measures. Tragically, Gutierrez-Reyes was pronounced dead.

ICE has notified the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Mexican consulate as required by agency policy. All in-custody alien deaths are reported publicly within 90 days, as stipulated by the DHS Appropriations Act of 2018. Comprehensive medical care is provided to all ICE detainees, including intake screenings, full health assessments, access to medical appointments, and emergency care.

This incident underscores the commitment of ICE to ensuring safe, secure, and humane environments for those in custody. In a statement, ICE emphasized that detained individuals receive the best healthcare available, often surpassing their previous experiences with medical care.