PHILADELPHIA — The family of a Cambodian immigrant who died while being held at a federal detention facility in Center City Philadelphia is demanding transparency about his arrest and the medical care he received before his death.
Relatives of 46-year-old Parady La say he was failed by the system after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the family, La was detained Tuesday near his home in Upper Darby, Delaware County, after leaving to run a quick errand to the grocery store.
When he did not return, loved ones began searching for him. His car was later discovered roughly half a mile from his home. ICE confirmed that agents had stopped La, verified his identity, and placed him into custody that same day.
Family members say La had battled substance addiction for years and believe he did not receive adequate medical attention for withdrawal symptoms while detained. Less than 24 hours after his arrest, La was found unresponsive inside his cell at the Federal Detention Center.
ICE officials stated that staff members performed CPR and administered multiple doses of Narcan before transporting La to Jefferson Hospital, where his family was notified.
“Seeing him like that was devastating,” said his daughter, Jazmine La, describing the moment the family learned of his condition. “He wasn’t just a detainee—he was a person who was loved.”
La’s nephew, Michael La, said the family was informed that Parady was housed in a general population unit with dozens of other detainees. He claims his uncle had been vomiting, pleading for assistance, and asking for water—requests the family says went unanswered.
“We didn’t even know where he was,” Michael La said. “We were out searching the neighborhood while he was already in custody.”
Parady La grew up in the United States and originally obtained legal residency after his parents immigrated from Cambodia. ICE stated that he later lost his legal status due to criminal convictions, some of which his family says occurred during his teenage years and were connected to his struggle with addiction.
“When people talk about immigrants who ‘snuck in,’ that wasn’t him,” Michael La emphasized. “He was raised here.”
In a written statement, ICE defended its actions, stating that detainees receive appropriate medical care from the moment they enter custody and that the agency is committed to maintaining safe and humane conditions.
La’s family strongly disputes that claim and says they are determined to uncover what truly happened. They are also questioning the use of Narcan, noting that their loved one was experiencing withdrawal rather than an overdose.
“This is happening right here in Philadelphia,” Jazmine La said. “People need to know.”
State Senator Art Haywood has since announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at reforming ICE enforcement practices.
As the family mourns Parady La’s death, they say their search for answers is far from over.
