Bulgarian passed away at North Lake Processing Center in the US

A 56-year-old Bulgarian died in ICE custody Dec. 15 at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin. His death is suspected to be from natural causes, as the official cause of death is still under investigation. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement writes that the Bulgarian was a criminal illegal alien, who entered the US in 1995 and over the years was arrested for theft, assault and battery, as well as for driving under the influence. USCIS denied the man's LPR status, May 14, 2009. On Jan. 11, 2023, an immigration judge ordered that the man must be removed to Bulgaria. On Sept. 23, 2025, the Bulgarian was arrested, it was reported.

In its report on the case, the Detroit Metro Times quotes Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who was contacted by relatives of detainees at the center in question about the poor conditions there, as well as a representative of health authorities who received information about cases of tuberculosis among immigrants. Without explaining why, the announcement of the death of the Bulgarian immigrant was published by ICE four days later and only after Tlaib requested information.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Photo: detroitnews