A press release issued Wednesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that Nenko Stanev Gantchev died while being held in a “safe, secure, and humane” environment at one of the agency’s detention facilities.
Gantchev, 56, was a Bulgarian national and Illinois resident. He was arrested by ICE in Chicago in September. Although he was granted lawful permanent residence in 2005, his status was revoked in 2009, and an immigration judge ordered his removal in 2023.
The agency’s statement has been met with skepticism amid mounting reports of abuse and medical neglect across the immigration detention system.
Lawmakers Call for Immediate Federal Investigation
U.S. Reps. Delia Ramirez and Rashida Tlaib are calling for an “immediate, transparent investigation” into Gantchev’s death. The lawmakers cited reports from other detainees who said Gantchev requested medical assistance but did not receive timely care.
“We are deeply concerned about the death of Mr. Gantchev,” the congresswomen said, noting unresolved questions surrounding ICE’s claim that he died of natural causes.
Troubling History at North Lake Processing Center
Gantchev was found dead Monday in his cell at North Lake Processing Center, a facility operated by the for-profit GEO Group. The center has a long history of controversy, including allegations of abuse and medical neglect dating back to its time as a juvenile detention facility and later as a federal prison.
Ten days before Gantchev’s death, Tlaib conducted an oversight visit to North Lake, reporting cold temperatures, inadequate food, unsanitary conditions, and limited access to medical care. She also revealed that multiple suicide attempts had occurred at the facility in recent weeks.
Lawsuits and Reports Highlight Medical Neglect
In September, the ACLU of Michigan filed a lawsuit on behalf of detainee Jose Contreras Cervantes, alleging that staff at North Lake failed to provide him with chemotherapy medication for nearly a month while he battled leukemia.
Similar reports of medical neglect have emerged from other ICE facilities nationwide, raising alarm among advocates and lawmakers.
Rising Death Toll in ICE Custody
Ramirez and Tlaib emphasized that Gantchev’s death is part of a broader pattern. According to the lawmakers, at least 30 people have died in ICE detention centers this year, making 2025 the deadliest year on record for immigrants in ICE custody.
Advocates argue that harsher detention policies under the Trump administration have contributed to prolonged confinement, family separation, and inadequate medical care.
Victims of Prison Abuse Deserve Justice
Deaths like Nenko Stanev Gantchev’s underscore the urgent need for accountability in detention facilities. If you or a loved one has experienced abuse, neglect, or mistreatment in a prison or detention center, you are not alone. Contact Police Brutality Center today to learn more about your legal rights and options.