Federal inmate dies in custody in Parker

An Indian national in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the La Paz County Jail (LPCJ) passed away Friday morning after efforts by medical staff to revive him were unsuccessful, according to a statement by ICE. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death.

After posting bond on charges of assault and sexual assault, Simratpal Singh, 21, was transferred to ICE custody on May 2nd, 2019 at the LPCJ while he awaited transfer to an ICE facility. On the same date, LPCJ personnel found Mr. Singh unresponsive and not breathing. Local paramedics were called, and Singh was transported via ambulance to the La Paz Regional Hospital in Parker and subsequently airlifted to the Abrazo West Campus Hospital (AWCH) in Goodyear, AZ. On May 3rd, 2019, at 1:58 a.m., AWCH declared Mr. Singh deceased.

Consistent with the agency’s protocols, the appropriate state health and local law enforcement agencies have been advised about the death, as have the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility. Additionally, ICE has notified the Indian Consulate of Mr. Singh’s death.

Mr. Singh is the fifth detainee to pass away in ICE custody in fiscal year 2019.