Haitian Father-of-Two Dies in ICE Detention from Untreated Dental Infection

Emmanuel Damas, a father of two from Haiti, tragically died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to complications from a tooth infection, as reported by his brother.

The 56-year-old had been held in ICE detention since September, following his capture by agents in Florence, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.

Damas's family revealed that he succumbed on March 2 after enduring weeks of severe dental pain.

Presly Nelson, Damas's brother, shared with ABC15 that Damas had informed both him and their mother about his toothache back in mid-February.

His family contends that despite expressing his discomfort, Damas's requests for dental assistance were ignored, and he was merely prescribed ibuprofen for pain relief.

Days after the family heard from Damas, he was suddenly taken to a hospital in Scottsdale. They learned of his hospitalization through another detainee rather than from ICE personnel.

Nelson stated that he and his family traveled from Boston to the hospital, but by the time they arrived, Damas was already on a ventilator and had been in a coma for nine days.

Following Damas's death, a nurse at the facility informed the family that he likely had a tooth infection that went untreated, which spread to his neck and lungs, ultimately leading to a septic condition affecting his entire body.

Nelson remarked that during his brother's time in a coma, he was restrained with handcuffs on the bed, monitored by two security guards around the clock.

In light of his brother's passing, Damas's family is calling for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death and the care—or lack thereof—provided while he was in ICE custody.

"He had a toothache; all that was needed was to arrange for a dentist visit with the help of a driver and security. Yet, for the last ten days, he was under constant surveillance by guards," Nelson expressed to ABC15.

Damas fled to the United States in February 2024 during the Biden administration, hoping to escape the unrest in Haiti.

At that time, Haiti was engulfed in widespread protests against the unelected government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, with gangs exploiting the situation to gain further influence.

Damas sought asylum but had his application rejected; he filed an appeal and remained in ICE custody for over five months before his unfortunate demise.