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Óscar R.D.: 58-year-old man with Alzheimer's and cancer dies in ICE custody in Arizona

Óscar Rascón Duarte, 58, who had lived in the U.S. since 1976 and suffered Alzheimer's, kidney cancer and hepatitis C, died in ICE custody at an Arizona hospital in September.

Sep 8, 2025Eloy, AZCountry of origin: Mexico

Óscar R.D.: 58-year-old man with Alzheimer's and cancer dies in ICE custody in Arizona
Photo via Physicians for Human Rights

Óscar Rascón Duarte, a 58-year-old Mexican national, died on September 8, 2025, at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, while in ICE custody. He had advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease, right kidney cancer, and hepatitis C. Rascón Duarte first entered the United States in September 1976 near Douglas, Arizona, and in 2004, while in Arizona Department of Corrections custody, ICE initiated deportation proceedings against him and transferred him to the Eloy Detention Center. On January 15, 2025, ICE arranged long-term medical care for him at a facility in Mesa, where he remained hospitalized until his death. ICE said the cause of death was under investigation and that the Mexican Embassy was notified. His death was one of 17 Mexican immigrant deaths in ICE custody or during immigration enforcement operations during the Trump administration's crackdown, prompting Mexico's government to file complaints and demand investigations.

Timeline

Sep 8, 2025—Died in ICE custody at Banner Desert Medical Center from complications of Alzheimer's, kidney cancer, and hepatitis C
Jan 15, 2025—ICE arranged long-term medical care for him at a facility in Mesa, Arizona
Jan 1, 2004—ICE initiated deportation proceedings while he was in Arizona state prison custody and transferred him to Eloy Detention Center
Sep 1, 1976—Entered the United States without documentation near Douglas, Arizona
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