Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva
Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva, a 45-year-old Venezuelan man, died on July 13, 2026, while being transported by bus between two Georgia detention centers, after being held at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla. ICE said he was found unresponsive on the bus and that the suspected cause was cardiac arrest, pending a medical examination. His sister and immigrants' rights groups say he did not receive medication he needed for a medical condition, a claim DHS disputes by pointing to ICE's statement that he received medical care. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating his death, and the cause has not been officially determined.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed; neglect alleged). ICE said he was found unresponsive on a transport bus and the suspected cause was cardiac arrest, pending medical examination, while his sister and immigrants' rights groups say he did not receive medication he needed for a medical condition.
Reported by: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (the agency that held him); Irwin County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); his family's account (family or their lawyers); immigrants' rights groups (advocates).
News reports (5)
- Detainee Death Report: Arenas Silva, Jesus Manuel
- Venezuelan man on immigration hold dies on transport bus in Irwin County
- ICE Reports 22nd Detention Death of 2026: Jesus Manuel Arenas-Silva, 45, Dies During a Transfer in Georgia
- Venezuelan man becomes 22nd person to die in ICE custody this year
- Venezuelan man dies in ICE custody in Georgia