A recent death at a for-profit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center has sparked calls for an investigation from two Democratic lawmakers. Nenko Stanev Gantchev, a 56-year-old immigrant, was found dead in his cell at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan, on Monday. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious concerns about the treatment of detainees at the facility, prompting U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez and Rashida Tlaib to demand a full inquiry.
In a press release, ICE characterized the environment at their facilities as “safe, secure, and humane.” However, the two lawmakers have pointed to a troubling history of medical neglect and abuse reported at various immigration detention centers, calling for an “immediate, transparent investigation.” They specifically referenced claims from other detainees indicating that Gantchev had requested medical assistance but did not receive it in time to save his life.
Both Ramirez and Tlaib expressed their deep concern for Gantchev, emphasizing that while ICE attributed his death to natural causes, many unanswered questions remain. “We know there have been numerous complaints from family members and advocates about inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at North Lake,” they stated.
This incident follows an oversight visit by Tlaib to the North Lake facility just ten days prior to Gantchev’s death. During her visit, she reported on poor conditions, such as inadequate food, cold temperatures, and unsanitary facilities. She also highlighted alarming issues regarding access to medical care, noting that there had been multiple suicide attempts at the center.
Originally built as a juvenile detention facility in the 1990s, North Lake has a history of allegations regarding medical neglect. It operated as a federal prison until 2022 when former President Joe Biden enacted a ban on private companies managing federal detention facilities. In June, GEO Group reopened the facility as an ICE processing center.
Recent lawsuits have also raised concerns about the treatment of detainees. In September, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan filed a suit on behalf of inmate Jose Contreras Cervantes, alleging that he was denied necessary chemotherapy for nearly a month while incarcerated at North Lake.
Ramirez and Tlaib noted that Gantchev’s death contributes to a troubling trend, with at least 30 deaths reported at ICE detention centers in 2025, marking it as the deadliest year for immigrants in ICE custody. Gantchev, originally from Bulgaria, had been arrested by ICE in Chicago in September and faced deportation after having his lawful permanent resident status revoked in 2009.
Christine Sauvé of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center commented on the situation, stating that the current administration has imposed “heightened cruelty” within the immigration detention system, creating barriers that lead to individuals languishing in detention without proper medical care.
The two Congresswomen reiterated their commitment to holding ICE accountable and stated that the treatment of immigrants must improve. “We will continue to provide oversight to protect our residents and communities,” they concluded, urging for immediate action to address these serious issues surrounding immigrant detention facilities.
