CoreCivic reached a settlement with the family of an asylum seeker who died at their Torrance County Detention Facility.

SANTA FE, N.M. — CoreCivic reached a settlement with the family of a Brazilian asylum seeker who died at their Torrance County Detention Facility.

The private prison company reached a settlement with the family of 23-year-old Brazilian migrant Kesley Vial. The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in September of 2023 after his death by suicide in August of 2022 at the facility.

“No words can truly express the impact that losing Kesley has had on our family. He was full of life, adventure, laughter and love; and we miss him deeply every single day,” cousin Irlaine Vial said. “While nothing can bring him back, we take some comfort in knowing that he will never be forgotten and that this case has brought us a sense of justice. Our hope is that no other family has to endure the same grief we have experienced.” 

Vial entered the facility in April of 2022 after surrendering to Border Patrol agents. He was supposed to be deported that June but was kept at the facility.

Attorneys said multiple failed deportation attempts led to the deterioration of his mental health. They claimed mental health counselors met with him several times but didn’t take proper precautions.

His death prompted protests at the facility.

MORE: Community advocates, attorneys call for end to migrant detention in New Mexico

The case was set to go to trial in January. However, the ACLU of New Mexico told KOB 4 a settlement stopped that from proceeding.

The terms of the settlement are confidential.

The facility is located in Estancia, about 40 miles outside of Albuquerque.

MORE: New lawsuit filed against Torrance County Detention Facility