Randall G.E.: Costa Rican man deported by ICE in vegetative state dies
Randall Gamboa Esquivel, a Costa Rican man, was deported in September 2025 in a vegetative state after nearly 10 months in ICE detention, and died five weeks later without regaining consciousness.
Jan 11, 2026Country of origin: Costa Rica

Randall Gamboa Esquivel, a Costa Rican man, was detained by ICE after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in December 2024. During nearly 10 months in detention at facilities in south Texas, his health deteriorated significantly, and he was deported to Costa Rica in September 2025 in a vegetative state. He died five weeks later without regaining consciousness, while his family and authorities remain unclear about what caused his severe health decline while in ICE custody.
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Sources
- Family seeks answers after ICE deported man to Costa Rica in vegetative state
The Guardian·Jan 11, 2026·archived copy
- ‘Have you ever smelled a cadaver?’ Family recounts horror after Costa Rican man deported in vegetative state
The Guardian·Jan 11, 2026
- Family speaks out after death of man deported by ICE in vegetative state
The Guardian·Nov 4, 2025
- Costa Rican Deported in Dire Condition
Ticos Land·Sep 23, 2025·archived copy
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