Haitian Woman Marie Ange Blaise Dies in ICE Custody Amid Concerns Over Medical Neglect

A 44-year-old Haitian woman, Marie Ange Blaise, died in federal immigration custody on April 25, 2025, at the Broward Transitional Center in Deerfield Beach, Florida, sparking renewed concerns over the treatment and medical care of detainees held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What Happened?

According to ICE, Blaise was pronounced dead at 8:35 p.m. on Friday. A fellow detainee told the Miami Herald that she had complained of chest pain earlier that day. Her blood pressure was recorded at 156, and she was given medication and told to lie down. Moments later, the witness claimed, Blaise was seen trembling and screaming, “My chest! My chest!”

Detention Timeline

Blaise had been held at the GEO Group-operated Broward facility since April 5, after a series of transfers:

• Initially detained on February 14 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection while trying to fly from Saint Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands) to Charlotte, North Carolina without a valid visa.

• First held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then transferred to Oakdale, Louisiana, and finally moved to Florida.

ICE says they are unaware of how or when she entered the U.S. “without admission or parole” from Haiti.

Ongoing Crisis in Haiti

Blaise’s case highlights the dangers faced by Haitians fleeing a country ravaged by political collapse, gang violence, and widespread humanitarian crisis. Armed groups now control about 80% of Port-au-Prince, with mass displacement, hunger, and lack of medical care becoming the norm. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the country has lacked a functioning central government.

Rising Scrutiny of ICE Facilities

Her death marks at least the sixth death in ICE custody during Fiscal Year 2025, raising alarm over conditions in detention centers operated by private contractors such as the GEO Group and CoreCivic. These facilities have faced long-standing allegations of:

• Medical neglect

• Physical abuse

• Lack of due process

In response to Blaise’s death, ICE issued a statement insisting that “comprehensive medical care” is provided to all detainees, including 24-hour emergency services. However, advocates and watchdog groups have sharply criticized ICE’s standards of care.

Reactions

Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, called Blaise’s death a tragedy and blamed “cruel and inhumane” immigration policies: “Our hearts break by the unfortunate death of Ms. Marie Angie Blaise… Her death is a result of cruel, inhumane policies and treatment of immigrants. We will continue to push for accountability.”

What’s Next?

An investigation into Blaise’s death is ongoing. Advocates are demanding greater transparency, accountability, and a thorough review of ICE’s medical protocols in detention.