A 56-year-old Bulgarian man has died in a detention center for illegal immigrants in Michigan, USA, Abc7chicago.com reported.
Nenko Ganchev, a 56-year-old Bulgarian businessman from Chicago, was detained during a “blitz operation“ by the migration authorities. Then, in custody, he died, and his relatives want answers.
Ganchev's wife, an American citizen, who requested anonymity, said that he had lived in the US for 30 years, was hardworking, paid his taxes, and the authorities treated him “like an animal“. He was diabetic.
The authorities believe that the Bulgarian died of “natural causes”, but an official cause has not yet been released. A Chicago congresswoman called for “an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nenko Ganchev's death, including an investigation into reports from other detainees that he sought medical attention and did not receive it in time to be saved.
At least 30 deaths have been reported in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers this year, making 2025 the deadliest year for immigrants detained by ICE, she said.
Ganchev's wife said that the Bulgarian was given very little food in custody. He told his family over the phone that he was not feeling well. In a statement released by ICE, Ganchev has been called a “criminal”, but court records show that despite previous arrests by Chicago police, he was not charged with serious crimes, only with traffic violations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement expressing sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of a Bulgarian citizen who died on December 15 at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Baldwin, Michigan.
The statement also states that the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago is providing assistance to the loved ones and is in constant contact with the competent American authorities. The Ministry relies on the investigative authorities in the country regarding the case and will continue to monitor its development, in order to protect the rights and interests of Bulgarian citizens abroad.