Fact Check: "First ICE detainee dies in transport in a decade."
What We Know
The claim that "the first ICE detainee dies in transport in a decade" refers to the death of Abelardo Avelleneda-Delgado, a 68-year-old Mexican national, who reportedly became unresponsive during transport on May 5, 2025. This incident has been highlighted as significant due to its timing and circumstances, suggesting it marks a notable event in ICE's history of detainee transport deaths. However, a comprehensive review of ICE's death records reveals that there have been multiple deaths of detainees during transport prior to this incident.
According to a recent study analyzing deaths in ICE custody from FY2021 to FY2023, there were 12 deaths reported in total during that period, with some occurring in transit or shortly after release from custody (source-1). The study indicates that while the death rate has decreased compared to previous years, it does not support the claim that Avelleneda-Delgado's death was the first in a decade during transport.
Analysis
The assertion that Avelleneda-Delgado's death is the first in a decade is misleading. Historical data shows that ICE has documented deaths of detainees during transport prior to this incident. For example, a report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) indicates that there were cases of detainees dying while being transported as far back as 2019 (source-4).
Furthermore, the claim lacks context regarding the frequency and circumstances of deaths in ICE custody. The recent study indicates that while there were fewer deaths in recent years, the overall mortality rates and causes of death have varied significantly, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic (source-1). The claim also does not consider the broader implications of ICE's operational practices, which have been scrutinized for their impact on detainee health and safety.
In evaluating the reliability of the sources, the study published in the Journal of Immigrant Health is peer-reviewed and provides a comprehensive analysis of ICE deaths, making it a credible source. In contrast, news articles may sensationalize events without providing the necessary historical context or data analysis, which can lead to misinterpretations of the facts (source-8).
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that Abelardo Avelleneda-Delgado's death is the first ICE detainee death during transport in a decade is inaccurate. Historical data indicates that there have been multiple deaths of ICE detainees during transport prior to this incident. The context surrounding ICE's operational history and the recent analysis of detainee deaths further undermine the claim's validity.
Sources
- Deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ... (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11007418/)
- Detainee Death Report (https://www.ice.gov/doclib/foia/reports/ddrAbelardoAvellenedaDelgado.pdf)
- Mexican national in ICE custody passes away (https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/mexican-national-ice-custody-passes-away)
- ICE and CBP Deaths in Custody during FY 2021 - OIG.DHS.gov (https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2023-02/OIG-23-12-Feb23.pdf)
- ICE's FY 2023 Annual Report (https://www.ice.gov/doclib/eoy/iceAnnualReportFY2023.pdf)
- ICE releases investigation into immigrant's death after ... (https://www.npr.org/2023/11/08/1211316303/ice-releases-investigation-into-immigrants-death-after-months-of-inexcusable-del)
- AutoCAD - Todos los productos - Foro en Español (https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-todos-los-productos-foro/bd/p/autocad-forum-es)
- 'Ticking time bomb': ICE detainee dies in transit as experts ... (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/22/ice-detainee-death-georgia)
