Tooth Infection Cited as Cause of Death for Haitian Man in ICE Custody

Emmanuel Damas, a 56-year-old Haitian man, died on March 2, 2026, while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at the Florence Detention Center in Arizona. According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office, the primary cause of death was complications arising from necrotizing mediastinitis, neck and retropharyngeal abscesses, which developed in the setting of severe dental caries and periodontal disease. The manner of death was classified as natural. Damas had been detained since September 2025. He was transported to a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, on February 19 after complaining of shortness of breath. This report highlights significant health concerns within immigration detention facilities, specifically regarding dental care access. While the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately comment on the findings, the medical examiner's determination links the fatal infection directly to untreated dental issues. The case has drawn attention to the medical treatment provided to detainees, as the progression from dental disease to a life-threatening mediastinal infection suggests a potential failure in early intervention or adequate healthcare provision during his months in custody.