Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian-born immigrant, died on April 25, 2025, while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida. Her death is currently under investigation, and it has raised significant concerns about the medical care provided to detainees in ICE facilities.
Timeline of Events
- February 12, 2025: Blaise was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as she attempted to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. She did not have a valid immigration visa and was issued a Notice of Expedited Removal.
- February 14: She was transferred to ICE custody at a staging facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- February 21: Blaise was moved to Richwood Correctional Center in Oakdale, Louisiana.
- April 5: She was transferred to the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida.
- April 25: Blaise died at the Broward Transitional Center. She was pronounced dead at 8:35 p.m. by medical professionals.
Circumstances of Her Death
- Blaise reportedly complained of chest pains for several hours on the day of her death. According to accounts from other detainees, her blood pressure was measured at 156 (systolic), after which she was given medication and told to lie down.
- Witnesses say she began shaking and screaming, “My chest! My chest!” before losing consciousness. She was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
- ICE has stated that all detainees receive medical, dental, and mental health screening, as well as 24-hour emergency care. The agency maintains that at no time was Blaise denied emergent care.
- However, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the only Haitian-American in Congress, raised concerns that Blaise may not have received adequate medical attention, noting that she had been complaining of chest pain for hours before her death.
Investigation and Reactions
- The official cause of death is still under investigation. ICE has notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, as well as the Haitian consulate in Miami.
- Federal regulations require ICE to disclose reports related to in-custody deaths within 90 days.
- Advocacy groups and members of Congress are calling for a comprehensive, independent investigation. Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, described Blaise’s death as a result of “cruel inhumane policies and treatment of immigrants,” demanding full transparency and accountability.
- Since the start of the 2025 fiscal year, at least six people have died in ICE custody, with three deaths since January alone.
Summary Table: Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Marie Ange Blaise |
| Age | 44 |
| Nationality | Haitian |
| Date of Death | April 25, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Broward Transitional Center, Pompano Beach, Florida |
| Cause of Death | Under investigation; reported chest pain prior to death |
| Detention Timeline | Stopped Feb 12 (USVI) → Puerto Rico → Louisiana → Florida |
| Duration in ICE Custody | Over 2 months |
| Reported Medical Complaints | Chest pain for several hours before death |
| Official Response | ICE claims comprehensive medical care; advocates and lawmakers dispute |
Conclusion
Marie Ange Blaise’s death in ICE custody has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding the treatment and medical care of detainees. While ICE maintains that all detainees receive appropriate care, witness accounts and statements from advocates and lawmakers suggest potential lapses in medical response, especially given Blaise’s repeated complaints of chest pain before her death. The official cause remains under investigation, and advocacy groups are demanding a thorough, independent review of the incident.