Mexican national dies after being detained by police and ICE agents

A 36-year-old Mexican national died at a hospital Tuesday after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel in Las Vegas, federal officials said Wednesday.

Miguel Sarabia-Ortega died at Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center. The cause of death will be determined by the Clark County coroner's office.

Federal officials said Sarabia-Ortega was detained Tuesday morning by Las Vegas police on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine pipes. After a background check was conducted, he was turned over to ICE's local office to be interviewed and processed.

Federal officials said Sarabia-Ortega was a legal permanent resident but was flagged by ICE during the background check, conducted by Las Vegas police.

While at the ICE office, Sarabia-Ortega became "highly agitated," yelling and attempting to remove his handcuffs, officials said.

He was placed in a van to be transferred to an overnight facility.

Minutes later, ICE officers noticed Sarabia-Ortega was unresponsive. He was rushed to Desert Springs hospital, where he died.

Federal officials said Las Vegas police will conduct an investigation into Sarabia-Ortega's death.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@
reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.