Chinese ICE detainee dies by suicide days after transfer to Pennsylvania facility

Chaofeng Ge, a 32-year-old Chinese national, died by suicide just five days after entering U.S. immigration custody, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ge was reportedly found “hanging by the neck” in a shower stall at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, on the morning of Aug. 5. Staff attempted CPR and called emergency services, but he was pronounced dead shortly after 6 a.m. by the Clearfield County coroner.

Ge was arrested in January by police in Lower Paxton Township after officers found stolen credit card data on his phone. He pleaded guilty to access device fraud and related charges on July 31 and was sentenced to concurrent terms of six to 12 months. ICE assumed custody of him the same day through an immigration detainer.

At the time of his death, Ge was awaiting a hearing before the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. ICE said a handwritten note was recovered near the scene and there were no signs of foul play. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating, and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility was notified in line with agency protocol.

Ge’s death is one of at least 14 reported in ICE custody so far in fiscal year 2025, surpassing last year’s total of 12. At least three of this year’s cases, including Ge’s, have been classified as suicides. Advocates and former officials have raised concerns about underreporting and lack of transparency, warning that the true number of deaths may be higher.

Two other Asian men have died in ICE custody this year. In July, Tien Xuan Phan, a 55-year-old Vietnamese national, died at a hospital in San Antonio after experiencing seizures and vomiting while detained in Karnes County, Texas. In March, Nhon Ngoc Nguyen, also 55 and diagnosed with dementia, died from pneumonia at a hospital in El Paso. Both deaths remain under formal review.

Advocacy groups have renewed demands for stronger oversight and better medical safeguards within immigration detention facilities. The Moshannon Valley Processing Center, where Ge was held, has been the subject of ongoing criticism for inadequate health care, limited legal access and poor living conditions. A 2024 report by Temple University highlighted widespread complaints from detainees, including allegations of neglect and mistreatment.

ICE stated that all detainees receive medical, dental and mental health screenings within 12 hours of arrival, followed by a comprehensive health assessment within 14 days. The agency said emergency care is available around the clock and reiterated its commitment to humane treatment. ICE has notified the Chinese embassy, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and members of Congress in connection with the recent death.