Tragic Death of Nepali National in US Immigration Custody

In a devastating incident, 34-year-old Nepali national, Subash Shrestha, has died while in the custody of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center (KCIPC) in Karnes City, Texas. The incident occurred on November 13, with an autopsy underway to determine the official cause of death.

Shrestha’s entry into the United States without inspection, admission, or parole near Lukeville, Arizona, on September 2 led to the issuance of a Notice and Order of Expedited Removal by the US Border Patrol (USBP). The USBP cited inadmissibility under Section 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), identifying Shrestha as an intended immigrant without an immigrant visa.

Following his transfer to the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in San Antonio on September 9, Shrestha was detained at KCIPC, where he continued his immigration proceedings. On November 13, ERO staff were alerted that Shrestha was unresponsive.

In an official statement, ICE reported, “Following medical assistance, Shrestha was pronounced dead.” The agency has notified the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, DC, of Shrestha’s passing, and ERO San Antonio staff have informed the next of kin.