The RecordExhibit 90
Record deaths in ICE detention
Criticized means: Legal, or a policy choice, but widely condemned.
By mid-April, 29 people had died in ICE custody in fiscal 2026, breaking the all-time record set in 2004 with more than five months still to go.
What happened
Detention swelled to about 70,000 people while oversight offices lost hundreds of staff. Advocates point to research finding most earlier detention deaths were preventable with proper care. The acting ICE director resigned hours after testifying about the deaths. A medical examiner ruled the 2026 death of detainee Lunas Campos a homicide; a court petition cites an eyewitness who said guards choked him.
Where it stands
No ruling. The offices that normally investigate deaths in custody have been cut.
The administration's side
ICE says the deaths reflect record detention numbers and that it spent nearly half a billion dollars on detainee care. DHS says being in detention is a choice.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/icedeaths/