Local
Dallas resident dies in Laredo immigration facility; medical care under scrutiny
Emiliano Andrade Covarrubias, 56, died in federal immigration custody in Laredo after being detained in June. His family disputes the government’s account of his medical care, and Rep. Henry Cuellar is seeking medical records and surveillance footage.
Emiliano Andrade Covarrubias, a 56-year-old Dallas resident, died Saturday in his bed at the Rio Grande processing center in Laredo, where he had been held since June, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The cause of death has not been determined; an autopsy is pending.
DHS said Covarrubias had diabetes, high blood pressure and a heart condition, and said he received appropriate medical care. His family, who say he had lived in Dallas for decades and was a lawful permanent resident, disputes that account. The family said in a GoFundMe post that he did not receive adequate care.
Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat who represents Laredo, toured the facility Sunday and said he had received audio recordings from people who reported Covarrubias asked for medicine and did not get it. Cuellar said he could not verify what care Covarrubias actually received, despite seeing doctors, nurses and medical equipment during his visit. He has requested surveillance video and medical records.
“I can’t make any promises, but I did talk to the wife,” Cuellar said, adding that he would work to get the family answers and transparency.
DHS said Covarrubias was detained at the Laredo port of entry in June over an allegation that he failed to disclose a 2004 theft arrest while applying for immigration status. The agency did not say whether he was convicted. DHS said he was awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge.
The company that operates the detention facility, GEO Group, directed questions to DHS. The pending autopsy and requested records could help clarify the circumstances of Covarrubias’ death and the care he received while in custody.