A 56-year-old asylum seeker who died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Arizona was caused by a severe, untreated tooth infection, according to multiple recently published news stories.
Emmanuel Damas, who was from Haiti, died on March 2 at an Arizona hospital. The county medical examiner’s office ruled that Damas’ primary cause of death was complications related to necrotizing mediastinitis, a lethal chest infection that requires immediate attention, with a neck and retropharyngeal abscess in the setting of severe tooth decay and gum disease.
On February 19, ICE claimed that Damas complained of shortness of breath and was transferred to the hospital. From there, he was reportedly transferred to two other medical centers.
However, Damas’ family disagreed, claiming that ICE agents failed to get him proper treatment for his toothache. Some detainees said that Damas complained about his toothache earlier than reported by immigration agents, and his family has said that when Damas first complained, he was only given ibuprofen, according to the stories.
Damas reportedly could no longer speak once he was transferred to the hospital, and his family claims that he was on a ventilator by the time they were able to visit him.
Calling it a preventable tragedy, local lawmakers have called for a full investigation into Damas’ death.
Damas was detained after he was arrested on assault and battery charges in Boston, according to ICE. Damas spent six months in ICE custody before his death.
Damas entered the U.S. legally under President Joe Biden’s Humanitarian Parole Program, which was terminated by President Donald Trump in 2025. Damas was awaiting temporary protected status when he was arrested, according to the stories.
The Humanitarian Parole Program allowed individuals from countries like Haiti to request parole into the U.S. based on urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit. Those in the program could stay in the U.S. for two years.
