A journalistic investigation by the Reuters agency exposes how the death of migrants detained and in ICE custody has increased during the administration of President Donald Trump.
The publication points out that between 2009 and 2024, one migrant death was reported for every 3,848 detainees, but these figures have doubled during the Trump period, they point out.
Now, the mortality rate among migrants detained and in ICE custody became one for every 1,630 people, according to the figures reflected in the report until the first days of June of this year.
The number of deceased migrants and their data are shared on the ICE website, along with a report that explains the history of the deceased and the causes of the decline.
But to date the website does not have a complete report since its last detailed update was at the end of April, the note cites, pointing out that during the first four months of the year 18 deaths were reported.
The last two are migrants of Cuban origin, whose official ICE reports indicate the cause of death as an apparent suicide, due to the way in which the bodies were located.
Last year, ICE reported 32 migrants who died during their time in prisons, which have been receiving undocumented immigrants who choose to cross the United States border in search of opportunities or escaping violence.
Doubts about the mortality figures could be more complex to understand, because ICE reported that it will no longer document deaths if they occur 30 days after the migrants are released.
They reject investigation
In response to the publication, ICE refuted the figures, explaining that the data suggests a “false” extreme, according to messages published on its social network X.
“These claims are completely false. These are the facts: There has been no sudden increase in deaths. According to data from the last decade, as of May 29, the in-custody mortality rate during the Trump administration is 0.008% of the detained population,” he says.
The publication also tries to explain that providing the necessary care to detained migrants. “Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment people arrive and throughout their stay. For many undocumented immigrants, this is the best medical care they have received in their entire lives,” he concluded.
These claims are completely FALSE.
Here are the facts: There has been NO spike in deaths. Consistent with data over the last decade, as of May 29, death rates in custody under the Trump administration are 0.008% of the detained population.
Comprehensive medical care is… https://t.co/k7n0d11uFO
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 17, 2026