In Loving Memory of Lorth Sim Your journey was a testament to courage, and your memory will continue to remind us of the human spirit’s enduring strength.

In Loving Memory of Lorth Sim Your journey was a testament to courage, and your memory will continue to remind us of the human spirit’s enduring strength.

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we remember and honor the life of Lorth Sim, a 59-year-old Cambodian national whose life ended while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana. His passing on February 17, 2026, has left family, friends, and all who knew him mourning the loss of a man whose journey embodied resilience, survival, and the hope for a better life.

Lorth Sim came to the United States as a refugee in 1983, seeking safety and opportunity after enduring hardships in Cambodia. In 1986, he became a permanent resident, beginning a new chapter of life in a country that promised freedom and security. His story is one of survival, adaptation, and perseverance — a testament to the courage required of those who leave everything behind to build a new life.

Those who knew Lorth describe him as someone who carried the quiet strength and resilience of a life shaped by adversity. His journey as a refugee, a permanent resident, and later a detainee reflects the complexities and challenges faced by many in the immigration system. Despite the hardships he endured, Lorth’s life reminds us of the human stories behind immigration statistics — of dreams, of family, and of the hope for a safe and meaningful existence.

Lorth was detained in December 2025 in Boston, with an immigration judge having ordered his removal to Cambodia in 2006. While in federal custody, he faced the difficulties and uncertainty common to many in detention. On the day of his death, staff at the Miami Correctional Facility found him unresponsive in his cell. ICE confirmed that the cause of death is under investigation, marking Lorth as the seventh death in federal immigration custody in 2026 alone.

While much of his life was lived quietly, Lorth’s experiences reflect the challenges faced by countless refugees and immigrants who strive to navigate a complex and often unforgiving system. He was more than a detainee; he was a person with a life story, a past filled with hope, and a presence in the lives of those who knew him.

As we mourn Lorth Sim, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, dignity, and justice for all individuals, regardless of circumstance. His life was a journey defined by survival, resilience, and the pursuit of safety. Though his time has ended tragically, his story and memory call on us to recognize the humanity in every person and to honor the struggles endured by those seeking a new life far from home.

Rest in peace, Lorth Sim. Your life mattered. Your journey was a testament to courage, and your memory will continue to remind us of the human spirit’s enduring strength.