ICE Is Giving Fewer Details About Migrants’ Death In Custody As Cases Continue To Rise: Report

As more people have died in immigration detention facilities, the amount of information released by the government about each death has shrunk, according to a new report.

NBC News detailed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the past would release 3-page reports following the death of someone in detention. However, reports now consist of four paragraph summaries.

The network added that, starting in December, the kind of information being released changed from detailed timelines and medical information to a more general synopsis.

So far this year, at least 14 detainees have died in ICE custody. There were 33 deaths in all of 2025 and 11 people died in detention in 2024.

NBC News reported that while some deaths are attributed to underlying health issues or drug use, others simply are classified as “under investigation.”

“Any death that occurs in ICE custody is a significant cause for concern. ICE prioritizes the health, safety and well-being of all aliens in its custody,” ICE states on its website. “ICE employs a multilayered, interagency approach when a detained alien passes away in ICE custody. Each facility must maintain written protocols in accordance with the ICE detainee death policy.”

Since the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, the number of detainees being held has declined. CBS News reported that, after reaching a record high in January, the number of detainees declined by about 12 percent as of March. The outlet went on to detail that about 63,000 people were under detention each day on average in March, compared to about 72,000 in January.

The detention population is still higher than before President Trump took office.