Its the deadliest year for ICE in decades. As detentions rise, the trend may continue

"Immigration and Customs Enforcement has recorded its deadliest year since the early 2000s as agency officials push to increase the number of people in its custody. According to a review of deaths by NPR, at least 20 people have died in ICE custody so far this year. The number comes as ICE is also holding nearly 60,000 people in immigration detention, the highest number in several years."

"Former agency officials are warning that increased detention population, decreased oversight, an increase in street and community arrests and continued difficulties staffing medical teams will result in more deaths. This summer, ICE received about $70 billion to hire more staff, including deportation and detention officers, and increase its detention space. Across the country, media and immigration advocates have reported overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and issues with food and health care access a byproduct of a rapid scaling-up of immigration arrests."

""Can staffing actually keep pace with the increase in population? And that becomes particularly challenging in more remote locations where it was already difficult to find qualified staff willing to come out and work," said Peter Mina, who worked at ICE for nearly a decade including most recently as the deputy officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. "And that just places risk all across the system, including, unfortunately, individuals in detention facing medical conditions that might result in their death." ICE did not respond to an immediate request for comment on the count."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement recorded at least 20 deaths in custody this year, its deadliest year since the early 2000s, while holding nearly 60,000 detainees. Deaths previously peaked with 32 in 2004 and 20 in 2005. Former agency officials warn that rising detention populations, reduced oversight, increased street and community arrests, and persistent medical staffing shortages elevate mortality risk. The agency received about $70 billion this summer to expand staff and detention space. Reports from media and advocates cite overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and restricted access to food and health care during rapid scaling of immigration arrests. Oversight offices that investigated deaths experienced staff reductions.

Read at www.npr.org