DHS CITES RECENT POLICY SHIFT AFTER NOT DISCLOSING DEATH OF GUATEMALAN MAN WHO HAD BEEN IN CUSTODY

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it did not publicize the death of Jose Chajon‑Raxon, a Guatemalan national who suffered a seizure at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, and later died in a hospital. The agency’s statement, released Wednesday, explained that Chajon‑Raxon was released from ICE custody on July 22 after being hospitalized on July 19 and that the department was not notified of his subsequent death.

According to DHS, Chajon‑Raxon was processed into Delaney Hall on July 18, had a seizure the next day, and was taken to a hospital where he remained until his death. The agency noted it had no knowledge of the death because the individual was no longer in ICE custody. DHS cited a policy change announced earlier in 2026 that eliminates reporting of deaths occurring within 30 days of an individual’s release from ICE custody, stating, “Per ICE policy, when an individual is no longer in ICE custody then ICE will no longer be responsible for monitoring or reviewing deaths that may occur.”

The policy shift has drawn scrutiny from advocacy groups concerned about transparency and accountability for deaths in detention or following release.

• DHS did not disclose Chajon‑Raxon's death because he was released from ICE custody before the death occurred.
• Chajon‑Raxon had a seizure July 19, was hospitalized, and died sometime after July 22; the agency was not notified of the death.
• The agency’s statement cites a 2026 policy that no longer reports deaths within 30 days of release from ICE custody.

Read the original source for full detail available at Associated Press src