Critical situation: deaths in immigration custody in the U.S.
NPR (National Public Radio) reported that 2025 has become the deadliest year for people under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since the early 2000s. According to the analysis, at least 20 people have died while in detention, a figure that coincides with the highest increase in the detained migrant population in several years, which now stands at around 60,000 people nationwide.
The increase in deaths is directly related to overcrowding in detention centers, lack of medical staff, the expansion of facilities without adequate health infrastructure, and the rise in arrests within urban communities. Although ICE received nearly 70 billion dollars in funding to expand its personnel and operational capacity, experts point out that the agency has not invested proportionally in medical care or civilian oversight.
You can also read. “New fee for temporary parole permit”
The three centers where most deaths have been recorded since 2004 are: Eloy Center (Arizona), Krome Center (Florida), and Stewart Center (Georgia). All of them have chronic difficulties hiring and retaining qualified medical personnel, according to reports from the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Former ICE officials also point out that the profile of detainees has changed. In the past, most came from border crossings or local jails — younger groups with available medical histories. Today, however, many arrests take place within communities, which means dealing with people who have undiagnosed chronic illnesses or no prior medical records, making adequate care difficult.
The DHS maintains that it provides medical, dental, and psychological exams within the first 12 hours after intake, and 24-hour medical care, in addition to hiring more healthcare staff. However, human rights advocates and former officials warn that these measures are insufficient given the overcrowding and cuts in civilian oversight offices, such as the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL).
Several analysts predict that if ICE continues expanding its capacity without addressing structural problems, the number of deaths could rise in 2026, leading to a potential humanitarian crisis within the U.S. immigration detention system.
For more information on these topics, visit Paralegal Clases’ social media pages and join our live sessions every Wednesday.
Instagram: @Paralegalclases
Facebook: Instituto Paralegal de las Américas
Youtube: Instituto Paralegal
Tiktok: @Paralegalnews
You may also like
