Georgia’s two U.S. senators are demanding answers from federal immigration officials after 14 people died in custody this year, including two men at a south Georgia detention center they say faces serious problems.
What It Means For You: Your elected officials are questioning whether people held in Georgia’s immigration facilities are getting basic medical care, safe conditions, and proper treatment while awaiting deportation.
What’s Happening: Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock sent a letter expressing “serious alarm” about deaths nationwide and conditions at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin.
• They want immediate information about the deaths and plans to prevent more fatalities
• The senators are demanding a briefing and written responses by October 31
The Deaths: Two Mexican men died at or near Stewart this year.
• Abelardo Avellaneda-Delgado, 68, died May 5 during transport to the facility
• Jesus Molina-Veya, 45, died by suicide June 7 at Stewart
• Stewart has recorded 13 deaths since 2006, with three by suicide
The Accusations: The senators list serious problems at Stewart Detention Center.
• Sexual abuse, medical neglect, and overuse of solitary confinement
• Overcrowding, barriers to legal help, and forced labor
• Substandard food and problems with complaint systems
• A 2017 report found only one mental health provider for 1,800 detainees
Between the Lines: ICE failed to report both Georgia deaths within its own 48-hour deadline.
• Avellaneda-Delgado died May 5 but ICE did not announce it until May 8
• Molina-Veya died June 7 but ICE waited until June 11 to announce it
• The first six months of 2025 had the highest number of ICE custody deaths on record
The Sources: Letter dated September 23, 2025, from Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons.
