ICE detainee deaths rise under Trump administration

Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights reported that at least 52 people died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody during the first 500 days of President Donald Trump’s second term, a 140% increase in the mortality rate. The number of detainees grew 77%, from roughly 40,000 to over 71,000, intensifying the strain on medical services.

The 73‑page report cites cases such as 32‑year‑old Lorenzo Batrez Vargas, who died after a COVID‑19 diagnosis and 12 days in isolation, and Ukrainian migrant Maksym Chernyak, who suffered a stroke and did not receive timely care. Human Rights Watch senior advisor Brian Root said, “People are dying in ICE custody at the highest rate in many years.” HRW co‑author Reagan Williams added that the surge “exposes a system that does not safeguard health or life.”

In response, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General opened two reviews—one focused on detainee deaths and another on detention standards—to assess compliance with safety and health requirements. The reports call on DHS and Congress to reduce detention numbers and ensure adequate medical care in line with U.S. human‑rights obligations.