Deaths among migrants in ICE custody have surged under President Donald Trump's second term, sparking nationwide concern. 📈
In the first 10 days of 2026 alone (Jan 1–10), at least four migrants died in ICE custody, following a record 30 deaths in 2025—the highest in two decades. These figures shine a light on overcrowded detention centres, where medical care can lag behind the growing needs.
As of January 7, ICE was detaining about 69,000 people. A big funding boost from Congress last year means more detentions are on the way, and critics warn this pressure cooker environment can worsen conditions.
Advocacy director Setareh Ghandehari from Detention Watch Network calls the death toll "truly staggering", and has urged authorities to close some facilities. The Department of Homeland Security, on the other hand, says death rates align with historical norms given the larger population and insists detainees receive comprehensive medical care.
The ACLU's 2024 report examined deaths in ICE custody from 2017 to 2021 and found up to 95% could have been prevented with timely, proper treatment. Experts noted delays in care and, in some cases, mistaken or inappropriate medical responses.
Whether you're scrolling TikTok in Dhaka or swiping through news in Manila, these stories hit close to home. They remind us why fair, humane treatment matters no matter where people end up.
With calls for reform growing louder, the question remains: how can the system balance enforcement with the basic rights of those in custody? 📣
Reference(s):
More migrants die in ICE detention under Trump administration
cgtn.com
