Maryland man who offered to self-deport dies in ICE custody in Louisiana

A Maryland man detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for being in the country illegally died late last month while in custody in Louisiana, according to ICE.

The man, 47-year-old Julian Curo-Churata, was originally from Peru. He had lived in Laurel, Maryland for about 17 years before being detained by ICE in June.

In a news release, ICE said it arrested Curo-Churata on June 27 during what it called a "targeted enforcement operation." 

The agency said Curo-Churata was transferred two days later from Baltimore to New Orleans. He was then sent to the Richwood Correctional Center in Richwood, Louisiana, where he was held in detention.

Curo-Churata had offered to self-deport, but his application was rejected.

"On Sept. 18, 2026, an immigration judge denied Curo applications for relief and voluntary departure," the ICE news release said. "He reserved his right to appeal."  

Detainee taken to hospital in "medical distress"

Less than two weeks later, on September 29, Curo-Churata died in custody, according to ICE. One day earlier, he was "found to be in medical distress," and transported to Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana, the agency said.

"Despite life-saving efforts, an on-duty physician pronounced Curo deceased at 4:01 a.m. CDT," the news release said. "While in custody, Curo received proper medical care and was seen by medical professionals."

The preliminary cause of death is unknown and an autopsy will determine the official cause of death, the ICE press release states.

CBS News Baltimore has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to get an update on the autopsy results. 

A friend of Curo-Churata, Marxlin Bernedo, told our media the Baltimore Banner, "He didn't deserve to die ... far away from his family." Bernedo said Curo-Churata has a college-aged son, a daughter and a wife, Verónica Ramírez.

Bernedo, of Silver Spring, told the Banner she had been friends with Curo-Churata for more than a decade. Bernedo described Curo-Churata as a "hardworking" and "honorable" man who was dedicated to his family. Bernedo added that he was a handyman who built decks and enjoyed playing soccer and volleyball.

A vigil for Curo-Churata is scheduled to be held Friday in Laurel, the Banner reported. 

At least 37 ICE detainees have died this year

Curo-Churata entered the United States at an unknown date and location, according to ICE. "His background includes convictions for driving with expired vehicle registration, and a separate court judgment against him in favor of the Comptroller of Maryland," the news release said.

ICE officials notified the DHS Office of Inspector General of Curo-Churata's death, as well as his spouse, attorney and the Consulate General of Peru. 

At least 37 individuals have died in 2026 while in ICE detention, according to the agency's official count.   

"Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout their stay," ICE stated in their press release. "At no time during detention is a detained noncitizen denied emergency care."