ICE records 10 suicides in custody since Jan 2025

Suicides among individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have surged to a record high, with at least 10 deaths since January 2025, according to a review of agency data, autopsy reports, and other records. This figure represents the most suicides in any fiscal year in the agency’s history, far exceeding the typical annual count of one or none.

The deaths account for nearly 20 percent of the 51 fatalities reported in ICE custody since the start of 2025. Nine of the individuals were Hispanic men from four countries, with one Chinese citizen. Their average age was 32. Seven of the ten had no record of violent crime in the United States.

Public health experts described the increase as alarming and unprecedented, indicating systemic failures in oversight and care. The detained population has grown significantly during this period, but the pace of suicides has outpaced that growth.

The review found that detention facilities have repeatedly violated ICE’s own standards. Documented shortcomings include staff ignoring signs of distress, delaying or canceling mental health treatment, failing to monitor detainees deemed at risk, and permitting access to materials that...