US immigration custody death rate hits decade high: Rights groups

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

New York: According to a new report by Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights, the fatality rate among migrants arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reached its highest level in more than ten years. The findings come amidst a significant increase in immigration detention under President Donald Trump's second term.

According to the report, at least 52 people died in ICE custody since January 2025. While the prison population has increased dramatically, researchers believe the fatality rate has increased even more rapidly, pointing to overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and systematic failings in prison institutions.

Rights groups encouraged the US Department of Homeland Security and Congress to limit immigration detention and enhance healthcare standards. They argue that many of the fatalities were preventable and reflected chronic flaws in medical services and oversight.

The Department of Homeland Security has previously stated that detainees receive proper medical care and that ICE facilities follow established custody standards. The study is expected to increase scrutiny of the administration's immigration enforcement policies.