Julián Curo-Churata, a 47-year-old Peruvian immigrant who had lived in Laurel for approximately 17 years, died in federal custody on Sept. 29. His death marks the 37th fatality recorded within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities over the past year, according to official agency data.
ICE records indicate that Curo-Churata was apprehended during a targeted enforcement operation on June 27. Shortly after his arrest, he was transferred to the Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe, Louisiana. While in custody, Curo-Churata sought to voluntarily depart the country, but his request was denied by a judge on Sept. 18. Following his death, ICE stated in a press release that he had been seen by medical professionals and received proper care while in detention.
Medical Distress and Transfer to Hospital
On Sept. 28, facility staff reported that Curo-Churata was found in medical distress. He was subsequently transported to the Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center for emergency treatment. He was pronounced dead the following morning. ICE officials have stated that the cause of death remains unknown pending the results of an autopsy.
The agency’s public statements regarding the incident cited prior convictions for driving with expired vehicle registration and an unspecified judgment in favor of the Maryland comptroller. Curo-Churata’s wife, Verónica Ramírez, stated in an interview that she had spoken with her husband just two days before his death. She reported that on the morning of his passing, she contacted the detention center seeking an update on his condition but was told she would receive a return call. Instead, she was contacted by a funeral home approximately 20 minutes later, informing her that her husband had died at 4:30 a.m.
Maryland Detainees Face Long Transfers to Detention Centers
Because Maryland lacks a long-term immigration detention facility, individuals apprehended in the state are frequently transferred to detention centers in other regions of the country. An analysis of federal records suggests that detainees from Maryland are often moved greater distances than those held in many other states.
Marxlin Bernedo, a long-time friend of Curo-Churata, described him as an honorable and hardworking man who was deeply dedicated to his wife and two children. The two had been part of a close-knit group of Peruvian residents who met weekly in Silver Spring to socialize and share meals. “He didn’t deserve to die … far away from his family,” Bernedo said.
Rising Mortality Rates in Custody
While the overall population in detention grew during that period, investigators noted that the frequency of deaths increased at a disproportionate rate.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Ramírez, who is represented by attorney Max Schoening, has expressed a need for clarity regarding the events leading to her husband’s death. She noted that she is currently awaiting further information, which may not be available until the completion of the formal autopsy process. A vigil in memory of Curo-Churata is scheduled for Friday in Laurel.
The timeline for the release of the autopsy findings has not been confirmed by medical officials at Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center or federal authorities.
