ICE spokeswoman Dani Bennett says, however, that "as a matter of policy regarding any detainee death, a review of the circumstances of Miguel Hernandez's death is currently being conducted."
Hernandez's death prompted a candlelight vigil in front of the lockup Monday night, sponsored by Georgia Detention Watch.
Bennett confirmed that Hernandez, 54, died April 28 after being returned to the detention center after being treated at Northeast Georgia Medical Center for a blood clot.
About 30 people attended the candlelight vigil, which was sponsored by Georgia Detention Watch.
A spokesman said the group is calling for "accountability" from ICE and Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) which operates the detention center. CCA officials referred all inquiries to ICE.
Georgia Detention Watch says Hernandez' is the second death it is aware of in recent years at a CCA-operated facility in Georgia. The group said ICE and CCA have yet to provide answers about the death of 39-year-old Roberto Martinez Medina at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin which happened more than two years ago.
But, Bennett said ICE has discussed Medina's death with Georgia Detention Watch.
Bennett said Hernandez is the eighth detainee to die in ICE custody in fiscal year 2011.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/5/238575