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ACLU releases statement regarding recent death of an immigrant in Louisiana ICE jail

Posted at 10:31 PM, Oct 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-17 23:32:26-04

The ACLU has released a statement regarding the recent death of an immigrant in an ICE jail in Louisiana.

Roylan Hernandez Diaz committed suicide while being held at the Richmond Correctional Center near Monroe.

The full statement is as follows:

Roylan Hernandez-Diaz's death in solitary confinement is a horrific and preventable tragedy that demands a thorough investigation and immediate changes to the conditions in ICE detention facilities," said Alanah Odoms Hebert, ACLU of Louisiana executive director. "Solitary confinement is torture and should never - under any circumstances - be used against asylum-seekers engaging in peaceful protest. We will not stand by while ICE tortures people who are exercising their right to seek asylum in the United States. In addition to undertaking an independent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Hernandez-Diaz's death, detention facilities in Louisiana must immediately suspend the use of solitary confinement and take additional steps to ensure the safety of those in their custody. Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Hernandez-Diaz's family and loved-ones as we continue to demand justice for his unnecessary and tragic death.

Last month, the ACLU and SPLC won a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit challenging the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement illegal practice of denying parole to detained asylum seekers.

Through this statement, ACLU calls for immediate suspension of the use of solitary confinement in ICE detention facilities.