Copyright Newsweek
A man suffered a mild stroke shortly after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey and did not receive adequate medical attention while in custody, his family has told Newsweek, a claim the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputes. Donovan Alanzo Keane, a 46-year-old Jamaican national, was arrested on September 5, 2025, at the ICE office located in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, after arriving for what was meant to be a routine appointment, his family said. DHS told Newsweek that Keane was arrested by ICE after "failing to report for five required check-in appointments." The family also confirmed that ICE informed them that Keane was detained because he had missed a prior check-in. "Donovan was treated like an animal—without dignity, care, or proper medical attention," Leisa Brown, the man's cousin, told Newsweek. “Allegations Donovan Alanzo Keane had a stroke and did not receive proper medical care in ICE custody are false. This individual has an extensive psychiatric history and is in the UC Health University Hospital of Colorado," Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, told Newsweek. "He illegally entered the U.S. in February 2023 and was released by the [Joe] Biden administration," McLaughlin said. While at the immigration office, Keane experienced a panic attack and was transported by ambulance to Virtua Hospital in Mt. Laurel, the family said. "During his hospital stay, he experienced a mild stroke and lost mobility," Brown said. He was hospitalized for two weeks before being initially discharged to a rehabilitation facility, the family said. However, according to his family, ICE agents instead transferred him directly to the Elizabeth Detention Center, where they say his condition deteriorated. Family members allege Keane faced mistreatment during his detention in New Jersey. Brown said he told them that one official at Elizabeth Detention Center allegedly said to him, “When you get on the plane going back to Jamaica, you should jump off and kill yourself.” During his time in detention, Keane allegedly experienced multiple seizures but was not hospitalized, receiving only increased medication from the facility doctor. Keane was later moved to the Denver Detention Center in Colorado. ICE has faced previous criticism over allegations of medical neglect in detention centers, with accusations of delayed treatment, inadequate monitoring, and poor communication with families. The agency is at the forefront of the public conversations surrounding immigration enforcement as the Trump administration pushes forward with a hard-line mass deportation policy. Brown said the family has been unable to get consistent updates on his health or location since his transfer. "We are devastated, in shock, and deeply concerned. The emotional toll has been overwhelming," Brown said. Keane, who worked in Environmental Services before his detention, has lived in the country for approximately two and a half years. He had an asylum hearing scheduled for July 2025, which was postponed. A second hearing set for October 16 was also delayed while he remained in ICE custody, according to his family.
