UN rights chief calls for investigation into migrant deaths in U.S. detention centers

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Friday for an independent investigation into deaths in U.S. immigration detention centers. Volker Turk cited a lack of transparency around the fatalities and noted at least 19 deaths recorded so far this year, according to U.S. government statistics.

Detention conditions and reported deaths Turk stated that officials responsible for any violations must be held accountable and that victims' families have rights to truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence. A Georgian man identified as Mamuka Artmeladze died in a Louisiana facility on June 4, bringing the year's total to 19.

That figure exceeds the 11 deaths recorded in 2024 and is on pace to surpass the 33 deaths reported for last year. Five of the 2026 deaths were classified as suicides, and officials have received allegations regarding the use of force at the facilities.

Expansion of detention network Authorities have expanded the network of immigration detention centers, including some operated by private contractors, as part of efforts to increase deportations. A report by Human Rights Watch stated that the mortality rate in custody has more than doubled since the start of the current term and is nearly four times the rate recorded during the prior administration.

The same report documented 52 deaths during the current term, involving individuals aged 19 to 75 from 20 nationalities. Turk also raised concerns about the reported use of solitary confinement, which the United Nations considers a form of torture after 15 days and which is associated with increased suicide risk.

"All these factors exacerbate vulnerability and raise serious concerns as to whether some of these deaths in ICE custody could have been prevented," he said.