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Lorenzo B.V.: Diabetic Mexican man, 32, dies after contracting COVID-19 in ICE custody

Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas, 32, remembered by family as loving and generous, died in ICE custody near Phoenix after contracting COVID-19 while diabetic. His death was the 14th migrant death in custody in 2025.

Aug 31, 2025Florence, AZCountry of origin: Mexico

Lorenzo B.V.: Diabetic Mexican man, 32, dies after contracting COVID-19 in ICE custody
Photo via Physicians for Human Rights

Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas, a 32-year-old Mexican national, died on August 31, 2025, at Mountain Vista Medical Center near Phoenix while in ICE custody at Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex. He was arrested by Flagstaff police on August 2 on drug paraphernalia charges, then transferred to ICE custody in Phoenix before being moved to the Florence detention facility. During detention, Vargas, who had diabetes, contracted COVID-19 and developed respiratory problems. He was found unresponsive and resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. He was declared dead at 7:02 a.m. His family remembered him as a loving and tender person with a generous heart who brought joy to those around him. His death marked the 14th migrant death in ICE custody in 2025, the highest number in five years.

Timeline

Aug 31, 2025—Died at Mountain Vista Medical Center near Phoenix from COVID-19 complications after contracting the virus while in ICE custody at Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex; declared dead at 7:02 a.m.
Aug 2, 2025—Arrested by Flagstaff police on drug paraphernalia charges
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