Report Finds 52 Deaths in ICE Custody Since January 2025

A nonprofit analysis recorded 52 deaths in immigration detention between January 20, 2025, and June 4, 2026. The report stated the mortality rate is at its highest level in over a decade and more than double the rate recorded since the start of the current term.

Human Rights Watch published the findings on Thursday. The group said the rate is nearly four times higher than during the prior administration and more than two and a half times higher than during the first term of the current administration.

The analysis described two cases in detail.

Maksym Chernyak, a 44-year-old from Ukraine, died after suffering a stroke while in detention. The report said staff failed to provide appropriate care despite clear signs of an emergency. Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old from Mexico, died after cardiac arrest. The group said repeated requests for medical care were mishandled.

Security spokesperson said there has been no spike in deaths. The spokesperson stated that as of May 29 the death rate was 0.008 percent of the detained population. The spokesperson added that medical care standards exceed those in most prisons holding U.S. citizens. Officials said many detainees receive the best healthcare they have had.

The detained population reached more than 71,000 in January, according to the report. The Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog has opened investigations into agency actions since January 2025.