Phoenix, AZ – The Florence Project is devastated by the passing of Emmanuel Damas in ICE custody this week. In reaction, Florence Project Legal Director Laura St. John shared:
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Emmanuel Damas in ICE custody. We do not have any information on Mr. Damas’ specific case at this time beyond that which has been publicly reported, but we do know ICE custody. We have long been deeply concerned with the substandard medical care that people in ICE custody receive, particularly dental care, and have issued reports documenting our clients’ experiences and calling for reform. ICE routinely refuses dental care to people until they have been in custody for six months, and that clock typically resets each time someone is transferred. Every person deserves appropriate medical and dental care, and we are deeply troubled by the reports of what Mr. Damas endured leading to his passing.”