Mexican national in ICE custody dies in Arizona

PHOENIX — A man who was in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Arizona has died.

Lorenzo Antonio Bartrez Vargas, 32, a Mexican national, was pronounced dead at a Mesa hospital around 7 a.m. on Aug. 31, according to a ICE news release.

The cause of his death is unknown and is part of an ongoing investigation.

More details on man in ICE custody

On Aug. 2, the Flagstaff Police Department arrested Vargas and charged him on drug paraphernalia use and possession.

Phoenix enforcement and removal officers then took Vargas into custody and transferred him to the Phoenix ICE office for processing. He was then taken to the Central Arizona Correctional Complex in Florence.

Vargas was previously arrested by the Flagstaff Police Department and convicted on DUI charges in 2024. He was also charged and convicted on DUI-liquor/drugs/vapors combo charges in 2018.

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