Mamuka Artmeladze, a 43-year-old Georgian national, died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Louisiana on June 4, the agency announced on June 7. According to ABC News, he is the 50th person to die in ICE detention during the second Trump administration.
ICE said Artmeladze, an “illegal alien from the country of Georgia,” was “found unresponsive” at 10:37 p.m., prompting staff at Winn Correctional Center to call a medical emergency and begin “lifesaving measures.” He was transported by ambulance to Winn Parish Medical Center, where “medical personnel continued resuscitation efforts,” but was pronounced dead by an on-site doctor at approximately 11:22 p.m.
“His official cause of death is currently pending an autopsy,” ICE said.
According to the agency, Artmeladze entered the United States “illegally and without inspection at an unknown date and time.” On September 25, 2022, he was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol. Officials said he was released on parole and instructed to report to ICE within 60 days.
On February 5, 2026, “ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans encountered Artmeladze near Fackler, Alabama, during an operation targeting commercial vehicle drivers who posed public safety risks,” the agency said, adding that he was taken into custody “after officials determined he had no lawful status to remain in the United States.”
The agency said it had notified the Department of Homeland Security, the DHS Office of Inspector General, and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility following the death, in line with agency procedures. According to the statement, the Georgian Consulate was also notified, along with Artmeladze’s next of kin or other designated contacts.
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