ICE detainee escapes custody during medical procedure at VCU Medical Center

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A person detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly escaped from custody during a medical procedure at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center in Richmond on Wednesday.

According to VCU Police, the department was contacted shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, about a person who had been in the custody of ICE.

VCU Police said it was reported that the detainee walked away while he was in the custody of a private, contract security agency.

"It is believed the individual left the area," a VCU Police spokesperson said.

An ICE spokesperson described the detainee as being a "criminal illegal alien from Mexico," adding that he reportedly "fled" when nursing staff requested removal of his restraints to facilitate a medical procedure at VCU Medical Center.

ICE reportedly continues to search for the detainee.

"ICE Washington, D.C. is actively working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to capture the Mexican alien," an ICE spokesperson said.

Officials have not confirmed the age of the detainee.