BALDWIN, Mich. – An investigation is underway after a man died at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Michigan, the federal agency said.
On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, Nenko Stanev Gantchev, 56, a citizen of Bulgaria, died in custody at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin. Baldwin is located in the northern Lower Peninsula on the west side of the state. It’s about 30 miles east of Ludington.
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Gantchev was found unresponsive on the floor of his cell during a routine check, according to a release from the agency.
Medical staff began CPR until EMS arrived and continued administering medical care. The man was pronounced dead at 9:54 p.m.
The agency said it is suspected that the man died from natural causes, but his death remains under investigation.
The GEO Group-owned North Lake Correctional Facility reopened over the summer as an ICE detention center.
Sen. Gary Peters released the following statement:
“I’m disturbed by the reported death at ICE’s North Lake Facility in Baldwin. People in the custody of the U.S. government must be treated humanely and have access to lifesaving medical care. While the cause of this death in Michigan is still under investigation, I have requested a formal briefing from ICE officials. This incident is part of a concerning number of deaths at ICE facilities this year, including four deaths reported across the United States just today. I’ll continue conducting oversight of ICE, including conditions of detention facilities in Michigan and across the country.”
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Congresswomen Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) released the following statement following the news of Gantchev’s death:
“We are deeply concerned about the death of Mr. Gantchev, an Illinois resident who was detained at the for-profit GEO Group’s North Lake Processing Center. While ICE claims he died of natural causes, the circumstances surrounding his death are not yet clear, and we know there have been numerous complaints from family members and advocates about inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at North Lake. We demand an immediate, transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Gantchev’s death, including an investigation into reports from other detainees that he asked for medical assistance and did not receive it in time to save his life.
To date, we are aware of at least 30 deaths at ICE detention centers this year, making 2025 the deadliest year for immigrants in ICE custody. The Trump administration’s attacks on our communities and immigrant neighbors must end. We will continue to provide oversight to hold ICE accountable and protect our residents and communities.”
Joint Statement from U.S. Reps. Ramirez and Tlaib
Gantchev came to the U.S. in June 1995 on a J-1 visa for exchange visitors, and was arrested in Chicago for theft in October 1995.
“The disposition of that arrest is unknown,” according to the release.
Gantchev was arrested for theft again in Chicago in December 1996 and for assault and battery in the Village of River Grove, Illinois, in March 2000.
On May 17, 2005, he was granted lawful permanent residence status, according to the release.
“USCIS denied Gantchev’s LPR status, May 14, 2009, and on Jan. 11, 2023, an immigration judge ordered Gantchev removed to Bulgaria,” according to the release. “On Sept. 23, 2025, Gantchev was arrested by ERO Chicago pursuant to a warrant of arrest and detained him pending removal proceedings.”
Gantchev’s custody re-determination was denied on Oct. 8, 2025, and he filed a bond appeal on Oct. 17, 2025.
That was pending until his death, according to the release from ICE.