De Leon Serrabi v. United States of America

  • Latest Update: Feb 23, 2026
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Summary

Our client, a 24-year-old man originally from El Salvador, was detained at the Baker County Detention Center (which in part operates as an immigration detention facility) without a criminal record, solely based on ICE suspicions that he had gang affiliations. He has suffered from a psychotic disorder and speaks little English. While in detention, ICE and Baker County officers threw him in solitary confinement for 88 days to pressure him to sign his deportation papers.

His mental-health condition worsened during his confinement, and he was violently assaulted by a corrections officer because he was singing too loudly. His eardrum was damaged by the assault. These actions violated ICE policies and Florida law and illustrate broader conditions issues at the Baker County Detention Center. We filed a Federal Tort Claims Act administrative complaint on December 19, 2023, and then filed a federal lawsuit on November 22, 2024.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

U.S. immigration officers detained a man from El Salvador with no criminal record and a history of mental disorders in Baker County Detention Center based on suspicions of gang affiliations. While detained, officers isolated, harassed, and violently assaulted the man. This lawsuit seeks to hold ICE and Baker County Detention Center accountable for their inhumane conditions that violate federal and state policies.

The Latest: On February 23, 2026, the Court denied the Government’s motion to dismiss our federal tort claims against ICE. The case is now in discovery.

Attorney(s):
Sam Lester