Senators decry surge in deaths at ICE detention facilities, citing poor medical care

"At Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities across the country, detainees go without medicine for serious health conditions, endure miscarriages while shackled and are dying in record numbers, a group of U.S. senators said. In a sent Friday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE senior official Todd Lyons, 22 Democratic lawmakers alleged that a "dramatic" surge in deaths in federal immigration custody is a "clear byproduct" of the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda and rapid expansion of detention."

"At least 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025, they asserted. That's triple the previous year's total and more deaths than were recorded during the entire Biden administration. ICE has reported seven deaths so far this year, as well as seven in December alone. In the letter, the senators demanded detailed information about the agency's death investigations, medical standards and oversight procedures."

A dramatic surge in deaths in federal immigration custody occurred in 2025, with at least 32 deaths—triple the prior year's total and exceeding deaths recorded during the Biden administration. Detainees experienced lack of access to medication for serious conditions, miscarriages while shackled, and other severe medical crises. Available agency records, 911 calls, and medical experts indicate many deaths could have been preventable. ICE reported seven deaths so far this year and seven in December alone. Requests were made to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for detailed information about death investigations, medical standards, and oversight procedures. ICE stated detainees receive health screenings within 12 hours and full assessments within 14 days.

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