February 9th, 2026 Local News
Ste. Genevieve, Mo. (KFMO) - A death report has been released detailing the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who died while detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Ste. Genevieve County Jail.
According to the report, 34-year-old Leo Cruz Silva died on October 4, 2025, while in ICE custody. The report was released on February 6, 2026, 125 days after his death. Federal law requires ICE to release in-custody death reports within 90 days under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill of 2018.
Cruz Silva was arrested on September 30, 2025, by the Festus Police Department on a charge of public intoxication. Two days later, on October 2, a licensed practical nurse noted concerns after another inmate reported that Cruz Silva had been running through the housing pod, screaming, hiding, and appearing frightened during the night.
The nurse reported that Cruz Silva did not show signs of distress at the time and notified a supervising nurse. During a follow-up evaluation, Cruz Silva denied suicidal or homicidal thoughts, denied taking medications, and was unable to provide a complete medical history. The nurse noted that he reported auditory hallucinations and placed him on 15-minute welfare checks.
Records indicate the supervising nurse reviewed information from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Chicago, which stated Cruz Silva had been experiencing paranoia and auditory hallucinations during processing. Jail medical staff informed ICE officials that Cruz Silva appeared to be in a mental health crisis and requested additional medical records and a higher-level provider. ICE officials responded that Cruz Silva had denied any mental health issues or medication use during intake.
On October 3, an LPN reported that Cruz Silva was hiding under his bed and attempting to leave his cell when staff entered. He was also reported to be experiencing both auditory and visual hallucinations. A higher-level medical provider was consulted and ordered antipsychotic medication, with plans to meet with Cruz Silva the following week.
On October 4, at approximately 3:20 p.m., employees at the Ste. Genevieve County Jail found Cruz Silva unresponsive in his cell with a ligature around his neck. Jail staff initiated a medical response, removed the ligature, and began CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator. Staff reported Cruz Silva was warm and clammy, with blood visible near his mouth, but had no detectable pulse or breathing.
Emergency medical services arrived at 3:23 p.m. and continued life-saving efforts. Cruz Silva was pronounced dead at 3:47 p.m. by a Ste. Genevieve County EMS paramedic.
Cruz Silva was the second person to die in Missouri while in ICE custody in 2025. The first death occurred April 8 at the Phelps County Jail in Rolla.