Also see:
- The Latin Times — Mexican Man Reportedly Dies In Arizona Facility, ICE Yet To Disclose Cause Of Death
- KNAU — Flagstaff man dies in ICE custody
- Tucson Sentinel — Mexican man dies in immigration detention in Arizona
FLAGSTAFF — KNAU and other media in Arizona are reporting an individual who grew up in Flagstaff has died in ICE custody and the family has started a Go Fund Me account to raise money for his funeral expenses and repatriation of his body to Mexico.
As stated on the family’s fundraising page, “With heavy hearts, we honor the life of Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas known to family and friends as “Lenchito”, a beloved son, brother, and friend, who passed away far too soon at the age of 32 while in ICE custody in Florence, Arizona.”
KNAU reports that Batrez Vargas, a Mexican national who has been held at the Central Arizona Correctional Complex in Florence, died on Aug. 31 at the Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa.
While ICE officials said his cause of death is under investigation, the family alleges he died after not receiving adequate medical care while in detention,” KNAU reported.
“His passing is a tragedy compounded by the circumstances under which he died; alone, likely from complications of COVID-19, and without the medical attention he deserved. No one should have to suffer in silence, and no family should have to wonder whether their loved one’s life could have been spared with more compassion, more care, or more justice,” the family stated on their fundraising page.
ICE officials reported in a media release that Batrez Vargas was held at the ICE facility in Florence after he plead guilty in Phoenix to unlawful flight from law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance on Aug. 10. He was also arrested in Flagstaff on Aug. 2 and charged with felony drug paraphernalia possession and use.
Besides stating Batrez Vargas’ criminal history, ICE also reported that all those in custody receive comprehensive medical care and 24-hour emergency services.
KNAU reported that Coconino County District 2 Supervisor posted that Batrez Vargas grew up in Flagstaff and attended Killip Elementary School.
Approximately 11 individuals have died in ICE custody this year, KNAU reported. Meanwhile, ICE has reported a dozen “alien detainee” deaths on its website since Jan. 23, 2025, not including Batrez Vargas.
Those wishing to donate to his funeral expenses can go the family’s Go Fund Me page.