Cristian Dumitascu
Cristian Dumitrascu was a 50-year-old Romanian man and father of three. His daughters, Andrea and Cristina, remember him as devoted and joyful, and Cristina said, "He helped us a lot, and he always was there for us." He died on March 5, 2023, while held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, California. ICE said an autopsy was pending when it announced the death, and officials later ruled the death natural after a medical emergency. The Mami Chelo Foundation says surveillance video and witness statements show a delayed medical response and that CPR began more than six minutes too late.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death natural, but the Mami Chelo Foundation says surveillance video and witness statements show staff delayed the medical response and started CPR more than six minutes late.
Reported by: medical examiner's report (medical examiner or coroner); Mami Chelo Foundation (advocates).