GENEVA (26 June 2026) – UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights Volker Türk on Friday urged prompt action to prevent
further loss of life in U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) custody and called for independent
investigations into all deaths under ICE
custody.
Türk said that it is alarming that,
according to US Government official data, in the first five
months of this year, 18 people had died in ICE
detention. A further case of death in ICE
custody has been reported this month. In 2025, a total of 33
deaths were registered, compared with 11 in 2024.
The
lack of transparency and clarity surrounding the
circumstances of these deaths in custody undermines
accountability for them, the High Commissioner
added.
“I call for prompt, independent, impartial
and effective investigations into all deaths in ICE custody.
Those responsible for violations of the law must be held to
account, and the rights of the victims’ families to truth,
justice and reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence must
be upheld,” said Türk.
These deaths occurred
in a context of broad expansion of the US immigration
detention system, with ICE currently holding over 60,000
individuals compared to approximately 40,000 in early 2025,
according to the latest official data. There are plans to
further increase the detention capacity up to 90,000 people
by the end of 2026.
Detainees, who include entire
families with children, and medically vulnerable people, are
frequently reported to face inhuman conditions of detention
and treatment, including inadequate healthcare and food, and
exposure to disease outbreaks in overcrowded facilities.
There have been concerning allegations regarding the use of
force. Additionally, five of the officially reported deaths
in 2026 were classified as suicides.
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A lack of
information regarding the whereabouts of detainees during
transfers has been reported, causing significant distress
among families, while prolonged uncertainty surrounding
legal status and processes contributes to psychological
distress among detainees.
Türk also expressed alarm
over the reported use of solitary confinement, which should
be an exceptional measure, and, particularly when prolonged
or indefinite, could amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment.
“All these factors exacerbate
vulnerability and raise serious concerns as to whether some
of these deaths in ICE custody could have been prevented,”
said the High Commissioner.
He stressed that
alternatives to detention should be prioritized. Immigration
detention should be an exceptional measure of last resort
and should generally be avoided for people with significant
medical or mental health conditions, as well as pregnant
women. Regardless of their immigration status or that of
their parents, children should not be subjected to
immigration detention.
US immigration authorities must
ensure that their detention facilities comply with
international human rights norms and standards. This
includes upholding dignity, avoiding overcrowding, providing
timely access to healthcare, including mental health
services, family notification, consular assistance, legal
representation, and necessary interpretation services for
all individuals in immigration detention.
The High
Commissioner urged the full restoration and strengthening of
independent oversight mechanisms for immigration detention,
highlighting their importance as a key safeguard against
abuse. He also stressed the crucial role of Congressional
bodies in overseeing immigration enforcement practices and
associated public funding, to ensure better compliance with
international human rights law.
Türk strongly
denounced the continued dehumanisation and criminalisation
of migrants and refugees. He expressed support for all those
who continue to advocate for dignity, fairness, and the
protection of their human rights, including lawyers,
journalists, faith-based organisations, and civil society
groups.
He emphasised that no one should be sent back
to a place where they could face serious human rights
violations or other irreversible
harm.
