News Summary
Tien Xuan Phan, a 55-year-old Vietnamese citizen, died while in the custody of ICE at a hospital in San Antonio. His death has sparked an investigation and raised concerns over the health care provided to detainees in immigration processing centers.
Karnes City, Texas – Tien Xuan Phan, a 55-year-old Vietnamese citizen, died on July 19 while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was pronounced dead at 5:48 p.m. at Methodist Hospital Northeast in San Antonio. The official cause of death is currently under investigation.
Phan had been held at the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center after being arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers on June 2, following a long-standing deportation order issued by an immigration judge in April 2012, which he failed to comply with. On July 18, the situation escalated when Phan exhibited symptoms including seizures, vomiting, and was ultimately unresponsive, triggering his transport to Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he was subsequently airlifted to Methodist Hospital Northeast for further treatment before being pronounced dead the following day.
In response to his death, ICE has notified several agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. The Vietnamese Embassy has also been informed about the incident. Furthermore, formal notifications will reach congressional offices, various nongovernmental organizations, and the general public, with a public report expected to be available on ICE’s website within two business days.
The investigation into the circumstances leading to Phan’s death is ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available. This case raises questions about the health care provided in immigration detention facilities and the policies governing the treatment of detainees.
Background Context
The Karnes County Immigration Processing Center, located in Karnes City, Texas, is one of several immigration detention facilities in the U.S. that hold individuals awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation. ICE oversees these facilities and is responsible for the welfare of detainees. Health concerns in detention centers have previously drawn scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding mental and physical health care access.
Phan’s prolonged legal battle in the U.S. highlighted the challenges faced by immigrants navigating the complex immigration system, especially those subjected to detention while waiting for a resolution to their cases. This case also underscores the significant stress and health risks that detainees may confront during their time in custody.
In 2020, ICE reported that the average daily population of detainees was over 35,000, raising ongoing concerns among advocates about the treatment of individuals in custody. As this case develops, it will likely prompt further discussions about the standards of medical care in detention facilities, the accountability of immigration enforcement agencies, and the rights of those in their custody.
Authorities and advocacy groups are expected to monitor the investigation closely as it unfolds, demanding transparency and enhancements in the care provided to immigration detainees. Phan’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of immigration policy and enforcement in the United States.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
