Introduction to the Incident
Chaofeng Ge, of Flushing, was found hanging by the neck while in ICE detention in Central Pennsylvania on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Courtesy of LPBP
A Chinese immigrant from Flushing, who was detained by ICE agents in Central Pennsylvania, was found hanging in the shower room of his detention cell on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Details of the Incident
Chaofeng Ge, 32, was pronounced dead by the Clearfield County coroner, and the cause of his death is under investigation.
Ge was detained at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center (MVPC) in Phillipsburg, PA, in ICE custody for five days and was awaiting a hearing before the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. MVPC staff discovered Ge hanging by the neck and unresponsive, and immediately lowered him to the ground, began CPR, and contacted Phillipsburg Emergency Medical Services, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the coroner’s office, according to ICE.
Background of the Case
On Jan. 23, the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police arrested Ge for using a fraudulent credit card to purchase gift cards at a CVS. During an ensuing investigation, Ge was found to be in possession of numerous stolen credit card numbers located within his cell phone. He was transported to the Dauphin County Booking Center, where he was charged with criminal use of a communications facility, unlawful use of a computer, and access device fraud. He was arraigned on Jan. 23, and bail was set at $150,000. Ge was unable to make bail and was remanded into custody at the Dauphin County Prison.
Proceedings Following the Arrest
Chaofeng Ge, of Flushing, had been in ICE custody following his arrest for using fraudulent credit cards at a CVS in Lower Paxton County in January.
File photo by David Dee/Getty Images
On Jan. 24, ICE Philadelphia’s Enforcement and Removal Operations York sub-office lodged an immigration detainer with the Dauphin County Prison. Ge pleaded guilty to accessing a device issued to another who did not authorize use and conspiracy to commit the same on July 31. He was sentenced to six to 12 months for each count and granted immediate release to the ICE detainer. Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) York took Ge into ICE custody and transported him to the York ICE office for processing. He was subsequently transferred to the MVPC.
Notification and Investigation
Consistent with ICE policy, ERO notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility via the Integrity Coordination Center. ERO provided notice of the death to the Chinese Embassy.
Conclusion
The incident involving Chaofeng Ge highlights the complexities and risks associated with immigration detention. As the investigation into his death continues, it is essential to consider the broader implications of such events on the lives of individuals in detention and the need for transparency and accountability within the immigration system.
FAQs
- What happened to Chaofeng Ge?
Chaofeng Ge was found hanging by the neck in his detention cell at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Central Pennsylvania. - Why was Ge in detention?
Ge was detained by ICE following his arrest for using fraudulent credit cards and was awaiting a hearing. - What actions were taken after Ge’s death was discovered?
MVPC staff immediately provided CPR and contacted emergency services and the coroner’s office. ICE also notified relevant authorities and the Chinese Embassy. - What is the current status of the investigation into Ge’s death?
The cause of Ge’s death is under investigation by the Clearfield County coroner. - How can such incidents be prevented in the future?
Ensuring adequate mental health support, transparency, and accountability within detention facilities can help prevent similar incidents.
