Costa Rican Man Died in ICE Custody After Eight Months
Carlos Josué Marchena was held at the Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana prior to his death at age 37.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Immigration
Carlos Josué Marchena died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after being detained for eight months. His family, who spent $15,000 on legal fees, is currently awaiting autopsy results.
Why it matters
The death highlights the ongoing challenges and costs faced by families navigating the U.S. immigration detention system. Consular officials are continuing to follow up on the circumstances surrounding the death.
The death involved a 37-year-old detainee who spent eight months in immigration custody after being initially picked up in Michigan. His family expended $15,000 on legal representation throughout the duration of his detention.
The players
Carlos Josué Marchena
He was a 37-year-old Costa Rican national who passed away while held in U.S. immigration detention.
José Julián Valverde Meneses
He is a content creator with 132,000 YouTube subscribers who is currently detained in Florida.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This federal agency is responsible for the detention and processing of individuals within the U.S. immigration system.
Polk County Sheriff's Office
This Florida law enforcement agency is responsible for booking and holding detainees in Polk County.
The details
Marchena was first detained by police in Michigan on January 14, 2026, before being transferred through facilities in Michigan, California, and finally Louisiana. Separately, Florida authorities recently arrested content creator José Julián Valverde Meneses, who remains held on an ICE detainer following a traffic stop.
Timeline
January 14, 2026: Police in Michigan detained Carlos Josué Marchena.
September 16, 2026: José Julián Valverde Meneses was stopped in Florida.
September 17, 2026: Valverde was booked by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
September 18, 2026: The Costa Rican foreign ministry confirmed Marchena's death.
Next week: Consular follow-up is expected to continue.
Political Context
Opponents of the current immigration enforcement regime often argue that the detention system lacks sufficient transparency and oversight. Advocacy groups frequently cite cases of in-custody deaths to push for legislative reform and increased funding for legal defense resources.
The use of ICE detainers can lead to prolonged custody for individuals even after local traffic or criminal charges are resolved with a bond. Families navigating these federal procedures often face significant financial burdens due to the complexity of the legal process.
The takeaway
Families with loved ones in immigration detention face significant financial and emotional strain as they navigate federal legal requirements. Obtaining clear information about the status of individuals in custody remains a complex challenge for families and legal representatives alike.
What happens next
ICE is expected to issue an official news release regarding the circumstances of Marchena's death, while consular follow-up on the associated cases will continue next week.
Further reading
For more background on policy and oversight, visit the Immigration section.
