Haitian Man in Arizona Detention Center Dies Due to Poor Dental Health
While in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the 56-year-old refugee experienced severe dental problems that led to sepsis after he consistently declined treatment.
A 56-year-old Haitian man was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in September 2025 and was later transferred to the Central Arizona Florence Correctional Center. Of the 51 detainees who have died in United States immigration custody since January 2025, his death is the only one related to dental problems.
Initially, the detainee had received dental care and extractions of several teeth were recommended. However, when the opportunity for the extractions was provided 3 months later, the detainee said the teeth no longer hurt and he declined treatment. Another opportunity to extract the infected teeth was provided and again the detainee declined.
In February 2026, he was taken to a Scottsdale emergency department due to trouble breathing. The detainee later died due to sepsis caused, in part, by oral infections. This tragic case demonstrates the close relationship between oral and systemic health and how educating the public on the seriousness of this connection is key to preventing mortality due to oral infection. Click here to read more.
