2025 becomes deadliest year for ICE custody in two decades

2025 became the deadliest year for ICE custody since 2004, with 32 reported detainee deaths by December -- more than occurred during Biden's entire four-year presidency (24 deaths). Contributing factors included a nearly 50% increase in detention population (to approximately 60,000), overcrowding, medical neglect, staffing cuts to oversight offices, and reports of unsanitary conditions. Deaths included tuberculosis, strokes, respiratory failure, and at least three apparent suicides. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the record, stating detainees receive medical screening and that increased detention 'should come as no surprise' requiring 'more medical professionals.' A prior report found 95% of deaths from 2017-2021 were preventable with appropriate medical care.