Death of Nenko Stanev Gantchev in ICE custody
Nenko Stanev Gantchev
1 — unknown (suspected natural causes; diabetic)Killed
Key sources
Nenko Stanev Gantchev (56, Bulgaria) died on 2025-12-15 while in the custody of ICE, in North Lake Processing Center, Baldwin, MI. Chicago business owner arrested Sept 23 in "Operation Midway Blitz"; found unresponsive on his cell floor during checks; wife said diabetic-diet accommodations were denied.
Official account
ICE press release said Bulgarian national passed away, natural causes suspected, cause under investigation; detainee death report issued.
What is documented
- Person: Nenko Stanev Gantchev, age 56; Bulgaria.
- Location: North Lake Processing Center, Baldwin, MI.
- Agency: ICE.
- Cause: unknown (suspected natural causes; diabetic).
- Circumstance: Chicago business owner arrested Sept 23 in "Operation Midway Blitz"; found unresponsive on his cell floor during checks; wife said diabetic-diet accommodations were denied.
Scrutiny of the official account
Grounded in the sourced record below; this documents the dispute rather than asserting a conclusion.
- Status / dispute: Rep. Delia Ramirez and family demanded an immediate investigation, citing reports he asked for medical help.
Unanswered questions
- Will the responsible agency release its full records, footage, and the medical examiner's findings?
- Was the death preventable — and were required medical or welfare protocols followed?
- Will an independent body (not the agency itself) investigate?
Help document this death
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See also
Needs review