ICE Detainee Found Hanging in Moshannon Shower Room, Awaiting Hearing

(PHILIPSBURG) A 32-year-old Chinese national, Chaofeng Ge, died by apparent suicide at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center on August 5, 2025, while in ICE custody and awaiting an immigration hearing. This incident has drawn national attention to the conditions inside U.S. immigration detention centers and raised urgent questions about oversight and detainee safety.

Ge was found hanging and unresponsive in the shower room of his detention pod at 5:21 a.m. Staff at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center (MVPC) tried to revive him with CPR and called emergency services, but the Clearfield County coroner pronounced him dead at 6:03 a.m. Ge had been in ICE custody for only five days, transferred to MVPC after pleading guilty to access device fraud and conspiracy charges in Pennsylvania. He was waiting for a hearing before the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

The cause of death is still under investigation by local authorities, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the coroner’s office. ICE has notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Inspector General, and the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, following required procedures. The Chinese Embassy was also formally notified. ICE is required by law to post a public report about the death on its Detainee Death Reporting page within 90 days.

This tragedy comes as ICE detention deaths are rising. As of June 30, 2025, ICE reported 13 deaths in custody for the current fiscal year, already more than the total of 12 for all of 2024. With facilities running at 140% capacity and over 56,000 people detained, 2025 is on track to become the deadliest year for ICE detainees on record.

Advocacy groups and independent reports point to several causes for this crisis. Overcrowding, underfunded medical and mental health services, and poor oversight are often blamed. Many groups describe the system as a “ticking time bomb,” saying that deaths are often preventable and not just isolated incidents. At MVPC and other facilities, the use of solitary confinement, denial of proper medical care, and language barriers have been documented.

In August 2024, the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) began an on-site investigation into abuse allegations at MVPC, including a previous death in solitary confinement. However, in March 2025, the CRCL was reduced in size, shifting complaint reviews to regional ICE field offices and lowering independent federal oversight. Despite ongoing complaints, ICE gave MVPC a “superior” rating in its March 2025 compliance inspection.

ICE policy requires that all new detainees receive medical, dental, and mental health screening within 12 hours of arrival at any facility, a full health assessment within 14 days, and 24-hour emergency care access. When a death occurs, ICE must notify DHS, Congress, NGOs, and the media, and publish a public report within 90 days. Families and advocates are encouraged to document detention conditions, seek immediate legal help, and contact oversight organizations. The Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh and other immigration attorneys offer consultations and can help with bond hearings and detainee welfare concerns.

Advocacy groups such as the ACLU, Physicians for Human Rights, and the Sheller Center for Social Justice have called for an end to physical detention and for alternatives, citing preventable deaths and systemic neglect. Legal experts and advocacy organizations are pushing for more transparency, independent investigations, and Congressional oversight.

ICE and facility operators state that they are committed to providing safe, secure, and humane environments, emphasizing that they follow medical care standards and reporting requirements. MVPC is a privately operated facility under contract with ICE, and detainee hearings are held by video before the Elizabeth, New Jersey immigration court.

The official cause of death for Chaofeng Ge is still under investigation, with a full public report expected within 90 days. Lawsuits and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for more transparency into ICE detention deaths are ongoing, with advocacy groups and families seeking accountability.

The surge in deaths and ongoing abuse claims are fueling calls for Congressional hearings, restoration of independent oversight, and a move toward alternatives to detention. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have faced criticism for not addressing systemic issues in ICE detention, with this year marking a sharp rise in deaths and public concern.

For families and individuals affected by ICE detention, experts recommend several steps:

1. 📋 Document all conditions: Keep detailed notes and, if possible, photos of living conditions, medical care, and any incidents.
2. 📋 Seek legal help immediately: Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible. The Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh, for example, offers consultations and can help with bond hearings.
3. 📋 Contact advocacy organizations: Groups like the ACLU, Physicians for Human Rights, and the National Immigrant Justice Center can provide support and help raise awareness.
4. 📋 File complaints: Use official channels to report abuse or neglect, including the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Moshannon Valley Processing Center has faced repeated scrutiny for its handling of ICE detainees, especially after previous deaths and reports of poor conditions. The ongoing investigations and public outcry may lead to policy changes, but for now, families and advocates must remain vigilant and proactive.

For more information on ICE detainee deaths and official reporting, visit the ICE Detainee Death Reporting Page.

Key Facts about the August 2025 Moshannon ICE Detainee Death:

If you or someone you know is affected by ICE detention, it is important to act quickly. Seek legal counsel, document all conditions, and reach out to advocacy organizations for support and oversight. The death of Chaofeng Ge at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability in the U.S. immigration detention system.