Man Found Dead in Jail After ICE Arrest Has Been Identified

A man identified as Santos Edilberto Banegas Reyes, aged 42, was found deceased in a Nassau County jail shortly after his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The announcement of his identity was made on Monday. Banegas Reyes, originally from Honduras, was reportedly a father of two, as indicated by a crowdfunding campaign initiated by his family.

The events surrounding his arrest took place on September 17, when ICE agents apprehended him outside a Key Foods grocery store in Hempstead, New York. The following morning, Banegas Reyes was discovered unresponsive in his jail cell in East Meadow, raising significant concerns regarding the circumstances of his detention and subsequent death.

Family members have expressed their devastation, with his sister emphasizing Banegas Reyes’ friendly and caring nature during a recent livestream. She also pointed out that the family had received no communication from ICE or the jail regarding his well-being following his arrest.

The details surrounding the cause of Banegas Reyes’ death remain unclear, as official statements regarding how he died have yet to be released. Nassau County police reported that they found him unresponsive and not breathing around 6:30 a.m. on the morning of his death. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the jail and the local coroner’s office is tasked with determining the exact cause of death. Furthermore, the state attorney general’s office is set to conduct an investigation into the incident.

In the wake of this tragedy, the family is in mourning and has reached out for assistance to cover funeral expenses and arrange the transportation of Banegas Reyes’ body back to Honduras for burial. A GoFundMe page established to support the family indicates their urgent need for financial help in these difficult times.

This incident occurs within the context of a new partnership formed earlier this year between ICE and Nassau County, allowing for the use of 50 cells in the county jail specifically designated for ICE detainees. As the investigation unfolds, this case raises important questions about the treatment and conditions of individuals detained by immigration authorities, highlighting the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policy and detention practices in the United States.

Media News Source retains a focus on the implications of this incident as it develops, particularly the broader context surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety in communities across the nation.