Criminal alien from El Salvador dies in ICE custody in Georgia

FOLKSTON, Ga. - Luis Sandoval, a 48-year-old Salvadorian illegal alien, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Folkston D. Ray ICE Processing Center Oct. 23, 2026. Sandoval's criminal history includes convictions for aggravated assault, making terroristic threats, receiving stolen property, and theft by unlawful taking as well as a charge for drug possession.

At approximately 1:46 a.m. Oct. 23, facility staff found Sandoval with a ligature around his neck. Staff immediately began life-saving measures. The Charlton County Emergency Medical Services arrived to the scene and provided additional lifesaving measures. Despite those efforts, Sandoval was pronounced dead at approximately 2:28 a.m.

Sandoval's death is under investigation. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause and manner of death.

On an unknown date, Sandoval entered the United States at an unknown location without being admitted, inspected or paroled by an immigration officer. On October 2, 2026, Sandoval was arrested by ICE Newark and issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge. He arrived at Folkston on Oct. 8, 2026 pending his first removal hearing.

Consistent with ICE policy, Enforcement and Removal Operations has completed all required notifications to the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Joint Intake Operation Center.

ICE makes official notifications to Congress, non-governmental organization stakeholders and the media upon reports of in-custody deaths and posts news releases with relevant details on its public website. Information is available in the ICE Newsroom and on the Detainee Death Reporting page.

ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health intake screenings within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility; a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arriving at a facility; access to medical appointments; and 24-hour emergency care. At no time during detention is a detained alien denied emergency care.