Illegal alien from Peru passes away in ICE custody in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS - Julian Curo-Churata, a 47-year-old illegal alien from Peru, passed away in ICE custody Sept. 29, 2026, at Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana. The preliminary cause of death is unknown. An autopsy will determine the official cause of death. On Sept. 28, Curo was found to be in medical distress. At approximately 8:14 p.m. CDT, facility staff transported Curo-Churata to Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center for advanced medical treatment. Despite life-saving efforts, an on-duty physician pronounced Curo deceased at 4:01 a.m. CDT.

His background includes convictions for driving with expired vehicle registration, and a separate court judgment against him in favor of the Comptroller of Maryland. Curo entered the United States at an unknown date and location without inspection. Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore arrested Curo during a targeted enforcement operation June 27, 2026, and served him with a Notice to Appear. ERO Baltimore transferred him to ERO New Orleans custody June 29, 2026, and detained him at Richwood Correctional Center. On Sept. 18, 2026, an immigration judge denied Curo's applications for relief and voluntary departure. He reserved his right to appeal.

While in custody, Curo received proper medical care and was seen by medical professionals.

Consistent with ICE policy, ERO New Orleans notified the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility through the Joint Intake Center. ERO New Orleans also notified Curo-Churata's spouse, his attorney, and the Consulate General of Peru.

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 noncitizen denied emergency care.