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2nd ICE detainee in Georgia dies from COVID-19 complications

Officials say 70-year-old Jose Guillen-Vega died Monday after being hospitalized since Aug. 1.

LUMPKIN, Ga. — A diabetic Costa Rican man in federal immigration custody has become the second detainee in Georgia to die from COVID-19 complications after being held at a detention center that has reported more than 150 coronavirus cases.

Officials say 70-year-old Jose Guillen-Vega died Monday after being hospitalized since Aug. 1.

Guillen-Vega was housed at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin and is the fifth person to die while in an ICE detention facility nationwide. 

RELATED: Human rights groups call for release of ICE detainees after 34-year-old dies of COVID-19

He had diabetes and hypertension, which ICE critics say made him vulnerable. 

Critics continue to ask the agency to release at-risk detainees amid the pandemic.

11Alive is focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. We want to keep you informed about the latest developments while ensuring that we deliver confirmed, factual information.

We will track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Georgia on this page. Refresh often for new information. 

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