Congresswoman Nikema Williams Calls for Answers from Noem, DHS on Death of Heber Sanchaz Dominguez at Deyton Detention Facility

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Congressman David Scott (GA-13) led a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding an immediate and complete independent investigation into the death of Mr. Herber Sanchaz Dominguez on January 14, 2026 at the Robert A. Deyton Detention Facility in Clayton County. 

The members wrote:

“Mr. Sanchaz Dominguez’s death is the most recent and glaring example of a deeply troubling pattern and acceleration of deaths of detainees in ICE custody. ICE reported the deaths of 32 people in its custody across the nation in 2025, and six additional deaths in January 2026. Mr. Sanchaz Dominguez’s death marks the third instance of a Mexican national dying in ICE custody in Georgia over the past year. In May 2025, Abelardo Avellaneda-Delgado, 68, died while being transferred to South Georgia’s Stewart Detention Center, and in June 2025, Jesus Molina-Veya reportedly died by suicide while being held at the South Georgia immigrant detention center.

Under both congressional mandates and ICE’s internal policy directives, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE must adhere to established standards of care for those in custody. However, the drastic and disturbing trend that has emerged in 2025 calls into question how the Department and ICE are fulfilling these standards.” 

The letter calls for a full and transparent account, and a final report by March 22, 2026, as well as answers to preliminary questions regarding medical care at the Deyton facility by February 22, 2026.

Read the full letter here.