NEW ORLEANS— Julian Curo-Churata, a 47-year-old national from Peru, died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on September 29, 2026, at Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana. The preliminary cause of death is currently unknown, pending an autopsy. On September 28, Curo-Churata was reported to be in medical distress and was transported to the medical center for advanced treatment at approximately 8:14 p.m. CDT. Despite efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead by an on-duty physician at 4:01 a.m. CDT.
Curo-Churata had prior convictions for driving with expired vehicle registration and a separate court judgment against him in favor of the Comptroller of Maryland. He entered the United States at an unspecified date and location without inspection. He was arrested by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore during a targeted operation on June 27, 2026, and was served with a Notice to Appear. He was transferred to ERO New Orleans custody on June 29, 2026, and detained at Richwood Correctional Center. An immigration judge denied his applications for relief and voluntary departure on September 18, 2026, although he reserved the right to appeal.
While in custody, Curo-Churata received medical care and was attended to by medical professionals. In accordance with ICE policy, ERO New Orleans notified the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility through the Joint Intake Center. Notifications were also made to Curo-Churata’s spouse, attorney, and the Consulate General of Peru.
ICE has procedures in place for reporting in-custody deaths to Congress, non-governmental organizations, and the media, and relevant details are posted on its public website. ICE emphasizes its commitment to providing safe, secure, and humane environments for individuals in custody, ensuring comprehensive medical care is available from the moment of arrival and throughout their stay. All individuals in ICE custody receive medical, dental, and mental health screenings within 12 hours of arrival, a full health assessment within 14 days, and access to emergency care at all times.