A recent lawsuit claims that the death of a federal pretrial detainee could have been prevented if detention center staff had provided timely medical care, raising questions about the standard of healthcare in federal custody. The complaint was filed by Alejandro Chamizo Garcia, individually and as representative of the estate of Alejandro Chamizo Miret, against the United States of America in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas on March 16, 2026.
According to court documents, Chamizo Miret was held at the Federal Detention Center in Houston, Texas (FDC Houston) when he began experiencing significant medical symptoms shortly after his arrest on or about June 4, 2025. The plaintiff alleges that despite repeated complaints and visible signs of illness, personnel at FDC Houston did not provide necessary medical care or arrange for urgent hospital evaluation and treatment.
The filing states that on June 11, 2025, Chamizo Miret appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan. During this proceeding, his physical condition was reportedly so serious that hospital evaluation was discussed or reasonably indicated. However, “despite the seriousness of Decedent’s condition, he was not transported to a hospital on June 11, 2025.” The complaint continues: “Decedent was not transported to the hospital until June 13, 2025,” and he died three days later from complications related to his untreated illness.
The plaintiff argues that “the delay in medical care more likely than not materially contributed to Decedent’s deterioration and death.” The action is brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act for negligence, wrongful death, and survival damages under Texas law. The complaint outlines several key allegations: failure by detention staff to timely evaluate Chamizo Miret’s serious medical condition; failure to transport him for necessary hospital care; failure to provide reasonable and timely intervention; and delaying necessary care despite obvious signs of serious illness.
The legal filing details that between June 6 and June 10, Chamizo Miret’s health continued to decline. He allegedly communicated his need for medical attention but remained without adequate diagnostic evaluation or escalation of care. On June 10, a scheduled court hearing did not proceed due to his visible illness and inability to participate. Despite these circumstances being apparent during his appearance before Judge Bryan on June 11, no immediate action was taken by detention personnel.
By June 13, Chamizo Miret was finally transported to a hospital in grave condition where he required intensive care but ultimately died on June 16. The complaint asserts: “The cause of death was consistent with complications arising from an untreated or inadequately treated medical condition, the delay in treatment materially contributing to Decedent’s death.” It further claims that these failures were operational lapses rather than protected discretionary policy decisions.
Plaintiff Alejandro Chamizo Garcia seeks all damages recoverable under Texas law and the Federal Tort Claims Act. This includes compensation for medical expenses; funeral and burial costs; loss of financial support; loss of companionship and society; mental anguish; pre-death pain and suffering; interest as allowed by law; and costs of court. The suit does not seek damages exceeding those presented in an earlier administrative claim submitted on August 1, 2025.
In addition to compensatory damages for wrongful death and survival claims, the plaintiff requests any other relief deemed just by the court. Attorney Damian Rasmussen represents Alejandro Chamizo Garcia in this case (Case No. 4:26-cv-02107).
Source: 426cv2107_Alejandro_Chamizo_v_United_States_Complaint_Southern_District_of_Texas.pdf
