GENEVA: The United Nations on Friday demanded independent investigations into dozens of deaths in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since last year — and swift action to prevent more people from dying.
At least 52 deaths have been reported in ICE holding facilities since the start of 2025, when US President Donald Trump returned to office and launched a crackdown on immigrants, the UN human rights office said.
During the first five months of the year, 18 people died in ICE detention, with another death reported in June, the office said, while 33 deaths were registered in 2025.
That compares to 11 in 2024, the UN rights office said.
“I call for prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations into all deaths in ICE custody,” UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement, which also called for “prompt action to prevent further loss of life.”
