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The Cuban immigrant Ernesto Martínez Feria reported that he suffered a heart attack while being held in a punishment cell at a detention center in El Paso, Texas, after initiating a 12-day hunger strike.
According to the report and exclusive interviews provided to Univisión, Martínez had already previously stated that he was beaten by immigration agents for refusing to cross the border into Mexico.
In a conversation shared by the outlet, when asked if the heart attack occurred in the punishment cell, Martínez answered “yes,” and added that he feels weak and is in the process of recovering. He indicated that he is receiving medication to control his blood pressure and heart rate.
The Cuban stated, furthermore, that he suffered a first heart attack in Alligator Alcatraz, Florida, and two at the processing center in El Paso.
In his initial testimony, he stated that agents beat him when he refused to cross into Mexico to be deported.
The case adds to other complaints at the same facility. Henry Mantilla, another migrant who claims to have been detained in El Paso for nearly four months after requesting asylum, reported that guards assaulted him during an argument in which he says he was not involved.
He reported head injuries, bruises, and scratches, as well as his transfer to a punishment cell and the start of a four-day hunger strike. He claims that he has not seen a doctor because "there is no medical report" while he is being punished.
In parallel, it was reported that at a detention center in Louisiana there are at least 15 migrants on hunger strike, according to the same coverage.
Weeks ago, Ernesto Martínez himself had shown his transfer from the detention center to the border for deportation. The Cuban, who had lived in the United States for decades, documented the journey and how he was treated by the agents.
Together with another Cuban, he reported that the authorities told them they had a final deportation order.
The agents who were escorting them at the border got into a van, took away their phone, and communication was lost.
In January, the Government of Mexico announced that it would accept the reception of Cuban migrants deported by the United States who cannot be sent directly to their country of origin.
This measure adds to the acceptance of migrants from other nationalities, such as Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Hondurans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Complaints in Migrant Detention Centers in the U.S.
What happened to Ernesto Martínez Feria at the detention center in Texas?
Ernesto Martínez Feria reported suffering a heart attack in a punishment cell in a detention center in El Paso, Texas, while he was on a 12-day hunger strike. Previously, he claimed to have been beaten by immigration agents for refusing to cross the border into Mexico.
What are the conditions like at the Alligator Alcatraz detention center in Florida?
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center has been reported by activists and former employees for its inhumane and degrading conditions. Reports have indicated overcrowding, lack of adequate medical care, poor nutrition, and absence of privacy. Migrants have initiated hunger strikes in protest of these conditions.
Why is Mexico receiving Cuban migrants deported from the U.S.?
From January 2025, the Government of Mexico announced that it would accept the reception of Cuban migrants deported by the United States who cannot be sent directly to Cuba. This measure also includes migrants from other nationalities such as Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Hondurans.
What actions are migrants taking in protest against their detention and conditions?
Several migrants in detention centers, such as Alligator Alcatraz, have initiated hunger strikes to protest the conditions in which they are held and the lack of clarity regarding their immigration status. The strikes aim to draw attention to the human rights violations they face.
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