Emmanuel Damas
Emmanuel Damas, 56, a Haitian asylum seeker, died on March 2, 2026, while held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention in Arizona. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's preliminary report attributes his death to complications of a severe dental infection, specifically necrotizing mediastinitis with neck and retropharyngeal abscess. His brother, Presly Nelson, says Damas complained of a toothache to facility staff for at least two weeks and was given ibuprofen rather than dental care, while ICE says he declined recommended tooth extractions and received medical care. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, and a member of Congress has called for transparency about the circumstances of his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's preliminary report attributes the death to complications of necrotizing mediastinitis from severe dental disease, but his family says he complained of a toothache for weeks and was given only painkillers, and a member of Congress has questioned why repeated requests for care went unanswered.
Reported by: Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (the agency that held him); his brother; his family.
News reports (5)
- Detainee Death Report: Damas, Emmanuel
- Medical examiner: Arizona ICE detainee’s untreated tooth infection killed him
- Tooth infection and dental disease cited as cause of death for Haitian man in ICE custody
- Medical Examiner confirms Haitian asylum seeker died from untreated tooth infection in Arizona detention
- An ICE Detainee Died from a Tooth Infection, Autopsy Report Says