ICE stops reporting deaths after 30 days of release

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will no longer track or report deaths of individuals that occur within 30 days of their release from the agency’s custody, a policy change that has drawn criticism from health experts and advocates. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, confirmed the change, framing it as a common-sense adjustment.

Under the updated policy, the agency stated it is no longer responsible for monitoring or reviewing deaths that may occur once an individual is no longer in its custody. Officials said ICE remains committed to transparency regarding deaths that occur directly in custody, including procedures for notification and reporting to Congress and the public. The agency maintains that detainees receive comprehensive health care services.

The policy rescinds a 2021 rule implemented under the Biden administration that mandated reporting on deaths within 30 days of release. That rule was designed to capture cases where medical complications originating during detention might contribute to fatalities shortly after a person left federal custody.

Health experts and immigrant rights groups have criticized the change, arguing it will obscure a...