Illegal alien from Guatemala in ICE custody dies at local hospital from suspected natural causes: liver, kidney failure

EL PASO, Texas - An illegal alien from Guatemala in ICE custody died at 5:53 a.m. Dec. 3 at The Hospitals of Providence East.

Francisco Gaspar-Andres, 48, was pronounced dead by medical professionals. He was admitted Nov. 16 to the El Paso area hospital and while cause of death is pending, medical staff attributed it to natural liver and kidney failure. From the moment they were notified of his health crisis, ICE medical staff ensured he had constant, high-quality care.

Gaspar-Andres told immigration officials he entered the United States illegally by walking across the international boundary from Mexico at a place not designated as a port of entry. On Sept. 1, Florida Highway Patrol troopers working with Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami arrested Gaspar-Andres as part of a pre-planned enforcement operation. ERO deportation officers confirmed Gaspar-Andres was living in the country illegally, took him into custody and processed him at the Krome South Processing Center in Miami. On Sept. 4, he was admitted into West Kendall Hospital in Miami for medical treatment due to alcohol withdrawal. He was released Sept. 7 and returned to Krome South Processing Center.

On Sept. 19, ERO Miami transferred him to ERO El Paso, and he was detained at the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso pending removal proceedings. Contract medical staff at Camp East Montana treated Gaspar-Andres for acid reflux and headaches Sept. 23.

ERO Miami filed a motion to change venue with the Executive Office for Immigration Review on Sept. 26 to continue removal proceedings in El Paso.

Again, on Sept. 27, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9, medical staff at Camp East Montana treated Gaspar-Andres for acid reflux and allergy symptoms, acid reflux and heartburn, and indigestion and heartburn, respectively.

EOIR El Paso set his immigration hearing for Oct. 14, and he continued to receive medical treatment between Nov. 3 and Nov. 13 for a variety of ailments, including lightheadedness, flu-like symptoms, bleeding gums, sore throat and body aches.

On Nov. 14, an immigration judge ordered Gaspar-Andres removed to Guatemala. Over the following days, medical staff at Camp East Montana continued to treat him for fever, body aches, productive cough with phlegm, jaundice, severe left lower extremity edema and hypertension. On Nov. 16, he was admitted to The Hospitals of Providence due to low sodium levels. Three days later, hospital medical staff diagnosed him with hyponatremia. Days later, Gaspar-Andres was lethargic and showed poor improvement. He received antibiotics and intravenous fluids.

On Nov. 19, an MRI showed that Gaspar-Andres had pansinusitis. Hospital medical professionals continued treatment and attempted to identify the source of his infection as he continued to decline and remained septic. He was intubated Nov. 21, and Nov. 24 he was placed on a liver transplant list and placed on dialysis and palliative care.

On Nov. 26, hospital medical staff reported Gaspar-Andres was receiving hemodialysis and was visited by a priest.

He continued dialysis until Dec. 1, when he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit due to hypotension during dialysis.

His health continued to decline further and was diagnosed with renal failure and internal bleeding. Medical staff placed him on supplemental oxygen for comfort. He was pronounced dead Dec. 3.