UN calls for independent probes into rising deaths in U.S. ICE detention

The United Nations' top human rights official has called for independent investigations into deaths in U.S. immigration detention facilities, citing a rise in fatalities among people held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

UN raises concerns over accountability

The UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged U.S. authorities to ensure full accountability for any violations linked to detainee deaths.

"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," Türk said.

His remarks come as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General investigates deaths that occurred in ICE custody between October 2021 and March 2026.

The review aims to determine whether systemic issues, policies or operational procedures contributed to the fatalities.

Deaths rise as detention numbers increase

The UN cited U.S. government data showing that five of the 18 deaths recorded during the first five months of 2026 were classified as suicides.

A further death was reported in June, bringing the total recorded so far this year to 19.

In total, 33 detainee deaths were reported during 2025, following the launch of President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign in January that year.

The UN also said ICE is currently detaining more than 60,000 people, up from around 40,000 in early 2025.

Reuters analysis points to higher mortality rate

A Reuters analysis of ICE data found that between 2009 and 2024, U.S. immigration detention facilities recorded approximately one death each year for every 3,848 detainees, based on the average daily detention population.

Using preliminary data through early June 2026, that rate has more than doubled to roughly one death for every 1,630 detainees.

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Immigration crackdown under scrutiny

ICE, which operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has played a central role in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement campaign.

Human rights organisations have criticised the crackdown, arguing that it has undermined due process protections, restricted free speech and created an increasingly unsafe environment for migrants, particularly members of ethnic minority groups. They have also raised concerns about racial profiling.

Supporters of the administration's policies, including President Trump and Republican allies, argue that stricter immigration enforcement is necessary to reduce illegal immigration and strengthen domestic security.

Homeland Security yet to respond

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the UN's latest remarks.

However, the department has previously said it is committed to maintaining a "safe, secure and humane" detention environment, including providing comprehensive medical care for people held in ICE facilities.

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