DHS Denies Spike in ICE Custody Deaths

Source: Newsweek

Published Dec 22, 2025 at 05:00 AM EST updated Dec 22, 2025 at 05:01 AM EST


The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pushed back on claims that deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody have increased, disputing reports that suggest a rise.

"Yet again, the media is trying to twist data to smear ICE law enforcement. There has been NO spikes in deaths," Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the agency, told Newsweek. "Consistent with data over the last decade, death rates in custody are 0.00007%. As bed space has expanded, we have maintained higher standard of care than most prisons that hold U.S. citizens—including providing access to proper medical care," she added.

Why It Matters

There have been growing concerns over medical care, oversight and conditions inside ICE detention centers. Immigrant rights advocates and progressive lawmakers have alleged systemic problems, including inadequate access to medical treatment and overcrowding. It comes amid an increase in immigration arrests under the administration as federal agencies race to carry out President Donald Trump's pledge to remove millions of migrants without legal status. DHS disputes claims of failures in ICE custody, saying it adheres to established medical protocols.

What To Know

Andrew Free, a former immigration and civil rights lawyer who tracks deaths in ICE custody, told Newsweek he had documented 32 in-custody deaths so far this year. Based on those figures, advocates described 2025 as one of the deadliest years on record for ICE detention.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/dhs-denies-spike-ice-custody-deaths-11252788