Haitian Woman Dies in ICE Custody in Florida

Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian woman, died on April 25 while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida. She had been in custody since February after being apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the U.S. Virgin Islands while attempting to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, without a valid visa. Detainees and advocates allege that Blaise reported chest pain, was given pills, and told to lie down before she collapsed and died; the cause of death remains under investigation. Her death has prompted calls for transparency and accountability from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the Haitian community, amid ongoing concerns about inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care in ICE detention. ICE asserts detainees receive comprehensive medical care and has pledged a full report within 90 days. Blaise's case is among at least six detainee deaths reported in ICE custody in fiscal year 2025.