A recent report by Reuters has highlighted a concerning trend: the death rate in detention facilities of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has more than doubled since Donald Trump resumed the presidency in January 2025. Within this timeframe, 50 individuals have died while in ICE custody.
Historically, between 2009 and 2024, the death rate in ICE facilities stood at one per 3,848 detainees. However, from the onset of Trump's second term, this number surged to one death per 1,630 detainees, according to data from the Deportation Data Project, analyzed by the Vera Institute of Justice, an organization dedicated to reducing incarceration rates.
Of the 50 deaths recorded, 21 individuals were found either deceased or unresponsive before they could receive any medical attention. There were 10 suicides, while 16 deaths were related to heart attacks or other cardiovascular issues. These figures suggest potential deficiencies in initial health assessments and the management of chronic conditions, according to experts.
Dr. Jay Bas, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, who studies deaths in ICE detention, described the suicides and unresponsive cases as "particularly alarming," suggesting potential lapses in physical and mental health monitoring at these facilities.
Three experts who reviewed ICE records and autopsy reports expressed their concern over the rising mortality rate. They noted that while the causes of death can vary, the lack of detailed death reports during Trump's administration makes it challenging to pinpoint the reasons behind the increase.
The situation is exacerbated by structural factors: the detainee population swelled from about 40,000 at the start of the administration to around 57,000 by early June 2026, with facilities operating well over their intended capacity.
In response to this surge, the administration converted 24 vacant commercial warehouses into detention centers, a move that has faced significant criticism.
The use of force within detention centers rose by 37% in 2025 compared to 2024, with 780 incidents affecting 1,330 individuals.
These findings align with a study published in April in the medical journal JAMA, which reviewed 272 deaths under ICE custody from the fiscal year 2004 to January 19 of the current year. That report noted that the death rate increased from 13 deaths per 100,000 detainees in 2023 to 88.9 in the fiscal year 2026, the highest level in 22 years and surpassing the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was 75.6 in 2020.
One of the most severe cases involves Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban who died on January 3 at Camp East Montana in Texas. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by asphyxiation, contradicting ICE's initial report, leading to an FBI investigation and a class-action lawsuit by the ACLU, which cites at least three deaths in 44 days at the same facility.
Amidst the controversy, Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, resigned on April 17. Furthermore, on June 5, ICE announced it would no longer report the deaths of individuals recently released from custody, rescinding a requirement from the Biden administration to investigate and disclose deaths occurring up to 30 days post-release—a decision experts view as a move towards greater opacity in the immigration detention system.
Understanding the Rise in Migrant Deaths in ICE Detention Centers
Why has the death rate in ICE detention centers increased?
The rise in the death rate is attributed to various factors including increased detainee population, deficiencies in health assessments, and management of chronic conditions. The lack of detailed reports under the Trump administration makes it difficult to pinpoint specific causes.
What measures has the Trump administration taken regarding detention centers?
The administration has converted 24 vacant warehouses into detention centers to handle the increased detainee population. This decision has faced significant criticism due to concerns over facility capacity and conditions.
How has the use of force changed in ICE detention centers?
The use of force in ICE detention centers increased by 37% in 2025 compared to 2024, with numerous incidents affecting many individuals.