Domestic Violence Suspect Dies in ICE Custody

LOS ANGELES – Alberto Gutierrez-Reyes, 48, a man with a history of domestic violence, died at Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville on February 27th. Gutierrez-Reyes, a national of Mexico, was in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the time of his death, raising questions about the conditions within the Adelanto ICE Processing Center and the quality of medical care provided to detainees.

Gutierrez-Reyes originally entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location. His criminal history surfaced in Los Angeles County when he was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on March 25, 2010, and subsequently convicted on March 29, 2010, of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. He received a sentence of diversion, meaning charges were dropped after completing certain requirements.

Fast forward to January 9, 2026, when U.S. Border Patrol re-arrested Gutierrez-Reyes during immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles. He was quickly transferred to ICE custody on January 11th and booked into the Adelanto facility on January 12th, initiating removal proceedings. A medical intake exam was performed that same day, and officials claim he reported no significant health concerns. However, just weeks later, on February 25th, Gutierrez-Reyes complained of feeling faint.

An on-site medical provider ordered Gutierrez-Reyes transferred to Victor Valley Global Medical Center for evaluation. He was admitted for chest pain and shortness of breath. The situation rapidly deteriorated early on February 27th, when he became unresponsive. Despite life-saving measures initiated by medical staff, Gutierrez-Reyes was pronounced dead at 12:58 a.m. The exact cause of death remains undetermined.

ICE officials state they have notified the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Mexican consulate, as per agency policy. They also claim to adhere to strict guidelines regarding detainee healthcare, including medical screenings within 12 hours of arrival, full health assessments within 14 days, and 24-hour emergency care. ICE further asserts that no detained alien is ever denied emergency care. However, critics point to a pattern of inadequate medical attention within ICE facilities, frequently resulting in preventable deaths.

This incident is the latest in a string of in-custody deaths that have plagued ICE, prompting increased scrutiny from advocacy groups and lawmakers. ICE is mandated by the DHS Appropriations Act of 2018 to publicize all reports regarding in-custody deaths within 90 days. Details can be found on ICE.gov’s Detainee Death Reporting page. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and investigate the circumstances surrounding Gutierrez-Reyes’ death, seeking answers about the care he received and whether systemic failures contributed to the tragic outcome. ICE’s assertion that this is ‘the best healthcare than many aliens have received in their entire lives’ rings hollow given the agency’s track record.