China Demands Answers After Death of Chinese Man in US Custody

The Chinese government is seeking clarity over the recent death of Lianyong Wei, a 51-year-old man who died shortly after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Wei passed away on August 23 at a hospital in the Northern Mariana Islands, just hours after being detained.

Wei was apprehended on August 21 by local authorities following allegations of assault against a family of five. He was subsequently transferred to ICE custody the following day as removal proceedings began. According to ICE, a guard discovered him unresponsive during routine checks, and despite emergency interventions, he was pronounced dead shortly after.

The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles has expressed serious concerns about the incident, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wei's death and assistance for his family. This incident marks the fifth death of a Chinese national in ICE or Border Patrol custody since March 2025, raising alarms among public health experts and immigrant advocacy groups.

ICE has yet to disclose whether Wei underwent the mandatory medical intake screening, which is crucial for identifying health issues that could lead to fatalities. The delay in announcing Wei's death has also raised questions, given that ICE typically releases information within two business days.

Source: www.independent.co.uk