A Haitian woman, Marie Ange Blaise, 44, died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after more than 10 weeks in detention. Her death occurred on April 25 at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, and is currently under investigation.​

Blaise was initially apprehended by federal agents in mid-February at an airport in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, while attempting to board a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. ICE reported that she lacked a valid immigrant visa. Following her detention, she was transferred through multiple ICE facilities, including those in Puerto Rico, Louisiana, and Florida.​

During her detention, other women held alongside Blaise reported to USA TODAY that they experienced inhumane conditions, such as being handcuffed and chained on buses for extended periods without bathroom access, overcrowded cells, and lack of basic supplies or medical care. While Blaise did not speak directly to USA TODAY, these women confirmed her presence during these ordeals.​

Guerline Jozef, director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, expressed concern over Blaise's death, stating, "We strongly believe her death could have been prevented. We will continue to demand accountability and protection for people in ICE custody,” per the outlet. ​

ICE has indicated that all detainees receive comprehensive medical care, including 24-hour emergency services. The agency is mandated to publicly release all reports related to in-custody deaths within 90 days. Blaise's death marks at least the seventh in ICE custody for the fiscal year 2025, which began in October.