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Diabetic Costa Rican father dies in ICE custody after complaints of missed insulin, poor care

Sep 23, 2026·Location: LA

Country of origin: Costa Rica

Diabetic Costa Rican father dies in ICE custody after complaints of missed insulin, poor care
Photo via Instagram

Carlos Josué Marchena-Marchena, a 36-year-old Costa Rican father of four who worked as a ride-service driver, was found unresponsive on September 18, 2026 at Winn Correctional Center in Winnfield, Louisiana, and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. He had Type 1 diabetes and had been detained since January, transferred between facilities in Michigan, California, and Louisiana; his cousin said his care was adequate in Michigan but worsened after later transfers, though his sister said his decline began in Michigan after he was placed in a security cell following an argument with another detainee. His sister, girlfriend, and a fellow detainee said he repeatedly complained of missed insulin shots, inadequate food and water, and worsening symptoms including chest pain, vomiting, chills, and stomach pain, with his girlfriend saying he called around midnight the night before his death saying his medication wasn't helping. An immigration judge ordered his removal on July 29, 2026, and he had requested bail and voluntary deportation to Costa Rica, both denied. ICE said he received appropriate medical care, while a fellow detainee said he received only irregular insulin shots and a single pill for his symptoms. His death is the third reported at the Louisiana facility since April 2026, following a DHS Inspector General report finding violations in medical care, food service, and use of force, and at least the 58th ICE detainee death nationwide since January 2025. A GoFundMe was launched to return his body to Costa Rica while his family awaits autopsy results.

Timeline

Sep 23, 2026—Family, fellow detainee, and reports detail complaints of missed insulin, food and water deprivation; ICE defends his medical care as investigation continues
Sep 18, 2026—Found unresponsive at Winn Correctional Center and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital
Jul 29, 2026—Immigration judge ordered his removal; his requests for bail and voluntary deportation were denied
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