ICE detainee passes away in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS - Mamuka Artmeladze, a 43-year-old illegal alien from the country of Georgia, passed away in ICE custody June 4. Artmeladze was found unresponsive at 10:37 p.m. Staff at Winn Correctional Center called a medical emergency and began lifesaving measures. Emergency medical services transported Artmeladze by ambulance to Winn Parish Medical Center for advanced medical treatment. Upon arrival at Winn Parish Medical Center, medical staff continued resuscitation efforts. Despite lifesaving efforts, at approximately 11:22 p.m., an onsite physician at Winn Parish Medical Center pronounced Artmeladze deceased. His official cause of death is currently pending an autopsy.

Artmeladze entered the United States illegally and without inspection at an unknown date and time. U.S. Border Patrol encountered him Sept. 25, 2022, and released him on parole with instructions to report to ICE within 60 days. On Feb. 5, 2026, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans encountered Artmeladze near Fackler, Alabama, during an operation targeting commercial vehicle drivers who posed public safety risks. ICE took him into custody after officials determined he had no lawful status to remain in the United States.

Consistent with ICE policy, ERO notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Joint Intake Center. ERO also notified the Consulate General of Georgia in accordance with international and domestic laws, as well as Artmeladze's next of kin or other designated contact.

ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders and the media upon official reports of in-custody alien deaths and posts news releases with relevant details on ICE's public website. You may access this information in ICE.gov's Newsroom. Congressional requirements described in the DHS Appropriations Act of 2018 require ICE to publicize all reports regarding in-custody deaths within 90 days. You may access these reports on ICE.gov's 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 noncitizen denied emergency care.