Highlights
- At least four migrants have died in ICE custody in the first 10 days of 2026
- 2025 was the deadliest year for ICE detainees in two decades with 30 deaths
- Experts warn most deaths could be prevented with proper medical care
Early deaths in 2026
Data released by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows that at least four detainees have died in the first 10 days of 2026. Three of the deaths were reported between January 9 and 10.
The men, aged 42 to 68, included two Hondurans, one Cuban, and one Cambodian. Two deaths were linked to heart-related health issues, while the causes for the remaining two were not clearly indicated. Only one of these cases is listed as “under investigation.”
Record fatalities in 2025
The previous year, 2025, marked the deadliest year for ICE detainees in two decades. At least 30 people died while in detention, surpassing the total deaths during the entire Biden administration (2021–2025), which recorded 26 deaths.
By the end of December 2025, ICE held more than 68,000 adults, nearly double the 36,000 detained in December 2023.
Concerns over medical care
Observers and advocacy groups have raised concerns over the medical treatment provided in ICE detention centres.
A 2024 report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) concluded that up to 95 percent of deaths in ICE custody could have been prevented with appropriate care. The report, which analysed deaths between 2017 and 2021, highlighted widespread evidence of delayed or incorrect treatment.
AFP
