Immigration detention on track for deadliest fiscal year since 2004

"The abhorrent and worsening conditions in detention centers, gross negligence, and a complete lack of oversight have contributed to yet another grim record for deaths in ICE custody. As a country, we cannot accept that death in federal custody is an acceptable or inevitable outcome of American immigration policy."

"Former agency officials and immigration advocates have warned that detaining more people coupled with reduced oversight will increase the likelihood of more fatalities. The increase in deaths comes as nearly 70,000 people are in ICE detention, the highest number in several years."

"Rapidly scaling up immigration arrests has contributed to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and issues with food and health care access in detention centers, according to media reports. Last summer, Congress gave DHS about $70 billion to hire more staff, including deportation and detention officers, and increase its detention space."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody deaths have reached their highest level in over two decades, with more deaths occurring since October 23 than during the entire previous fiscal year. A 56-year-old Haitian man recently died from septic shock at an Arizona detention center, representing the latest fatality. Nearly 70,000 people are currently in ICE detention, the highest number in several years. Former agency officials and immigration advocates attribute the increase to overcrowding, reduced oversight, and deteriorating conditions. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment. Democratic lawmakers have questioned the death count, health care access, and reporting delays. Congress allocated $70 billion to DHS for increased detention capacity and staff, but rapid scaling of immigration arrests has contributed to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate food and health care access.

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