ICE Reports Death of Detainee at Michigan Contracted Facility

A 56-year-old Chicago-area resident died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a privately operated detention facility in Michigan, federal officials confirmed.

Nenko Gantchev died Monday at the North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, Michigan, a private prison contracted by ICE to house immigration detainees. The Department of Homeland Security said the death is suspected to be from natural causes, though the official cause remains under investigation.

According to ICE, Gantchev was found unresponsive in his cell during routine checks. Facility medical staff initiated emergency response measures and contacted local emergency medical services, but he was later pronounced dead.

Gantchev had been detained following his arrest in September during an immigration-related appointment in Chicago. He had lived in the United States for approximately three decades and was married to a U.S. citizen. Court records show he had previously been ordered removed to Bulgaria following immigration proceedings.

Family members said Gantchev had ongoing health concerns, including diabetes, and had hoped to be released after a federal judge ordered bond for hundreds of detainees last month. That order was later paused by a federal appeals court, leaving detainees to choose between remaining in custody or departing the country voluntarily.

Illinois law prohibits the use of in-state private prisons for immigration detention, which is why detainees from the Chicago area are often transferred to facilities in neighboring states, including Michigan. Contract records confirm North Lake Correctional Facility was used for that purpose.

Chicago Congresswoman Delia Ramirez called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gantchev’s death, citing concerns raised by other detainees regarding access to medical care. ICE has said it takes all allegations seriously and follows established detention and medical protocols.

An autopsy was performed by local authorities, and funeral arrangements are being handled in accordance with the family’s wishes.

ICE stated that while it cannot comment on individual medical details due to privacy laws, the agency is required to review all deaths in custody and notify relevant oversight bodies. The investigation into Gantchev’s death remains ongoing.