The family of Melvin Ariel Calero-Mendoza, a Nicaraguan man who died in an ICE facility in Aurora, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Calero-Mendoza came to the US to reunite with his family who had fled from the dangers of Nicaragua. He died from a pulmonary embolism due to alleged inadequate medical care at the facility. The lawsuit describes the medical care as reckless and dangerous. The facility is run by The GEO Group, which contracts with ICE. The lawsuit is part of a pattern of detainee deaths at the Aurora facility due to inadequate medical care, according to attorneys.
Colorado lawmakers are calling for a probe after Calero-Mendoza’s death. ICE stated that everyone in custody receives comprehensive medical care, but the lawsuit claims otherwise. The family’s attorney, Luis Cortes, believes Melvin’s death was preventable and that the medical care provided at the facility is a systematic failure.
ICE declined to comment on ongoing litigation but shared information on their commitment to providing medical care in their facilities. The ICE Health Services Corps had an operating budget of $324 million in fiscal year 2022 for healthcare services. The next step in the lawsuit is waiting for the defendants to respond. Denver7 Investigates why ICE ended free phone calls for detained immigrants. Denver7 is committed to making a difference in the community.
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