An investigation published on April 16 by the international medical journal JAMA revealed a considerable increase in the death of migrants in detention centers in the United States in recent years.
The study, released on Wednesday, indicates that the deaths of migrants in immigration centers would have reached the highest number in 22 years, based on data collected since 2004.
JAMA assures that, since the beginning of the records, around 272 deaths have occurred in that period.
The entity pointed out that the increase in migrant deaths coincides with the increase in immigration arrests and raids recorded since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term.
According to JAMA, authorities reported 18 deaths from October 2025 to January 19 of this year, which is equivalent to a rate of 88.9 deaths per 100 thousand people in the custody of immigration authorities.
The figure represents a considerable increase compared to other years. The research cites data from 2020, one of the highest, when 75.6 deaths were recorded per 100 thousand people.
JAMA also notes that in the In 2023, four migrant deaths were recorded, 12 in 2024 and 23 in 2025. Furthermore, it does not rule out that the figure registered in 2026 will increase.
Regarding the deceased, JAMA states that the majority are men, with an average age of 45 years.
The investigation suggests that, given the little information provided by the authorities, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of death of migrants in ICE custody.
However, they have been identified serious warning signs prior to death, such as considerable clinical deterioration.
Media such as Univision and Telemundo add that the records of migrant deaths coincide with the increase in arrests and multiple complaints of poor conditions in detention centers.
According to Univision, since Donald Trump returned to the presidency, More than 70 thousand people have been confirmed detained by ICE.