Family of Mexican immigrant asks for help after he died in ICE custody

An immigrant from Mexico died at Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville on October 23. 

At 7:45 p.m., Gabriel Garcia Aviles, 56, from Mexico, was pronounced dead by medical professionals.

On October 14, Garcia-Aviles was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol in Santa Ana, according to the Department of Homeland Security. But according to LA Taco’s report, Garcia Aviles was taken from Costa Mesa and later transferred to ICE custody at the Santa Ana Hold Rooms pending removal proceedings.

ICE transferred him to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center on October 15. 

The official Department of Homeland Security statement says Garcia Aviles exhibited suspected alcohol withdrawal symptoms and was admitted to the Victor Valley Global Medical Center.

While in the care of Victor Valley Global Medical Center medical professionals, Garcia’s condition worsened over the following days. At approximately 7:44 p.m., family members present at the hospital instructed medical staff to discontinue resuscitation efforts.

The family said they were not notified of his condition until the morning of October 23. 

“He got really sick and was taken to the hospital the same night,” his daughter Mariel Garcia said in the GoFundMe where the family is asking for help to lay Garcia Aviles to rest. “We never got the chance to speak to him anymore and never [were] called to let us know why he had been transferred to the hospital. My father was a very happy person who was always really friendly to everyone. His absence has left a hole in our hearts. Words can’t describe how broken we are feeling.”