Fact Check: ICE reported 12 deaths in detention facilities in fiscal year 2025.

Fact Check: "ICE reported 12 deaths in detention facilities in fiscal year 2025."

What We Know

As of the latest reports, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that there have been 12 reported deaths in its detention facilities since the beginning of fiscal year 2025, which commenced in October 2024. This figure includes notable cases such as the deaths of Isidro Perez, a 75-year-old Cuban national, and Johnny Noviello, a Canadian citizen, both of whom died in ICE custody recently (MSNBC, ICE). Reports indicate that these deaths have raised significant concerns regarding the conditions within ICE facilities, which have been described as overcrowded and unsanitary (New York Times).

Analysis

The claim that ICE reported 12 deaths in detention facilities in fiscal year 2025 is supported by multiple sources. The MSNBC report explicitly states that the total number of deaths has reached 12, corroborated by ICE's own data (MSNBC). Furthermore, the New York Times highlights the dire conditions in these facilities, which have been linked to the rising number of deaths (New York Times).

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in journalism and their commitment to fact-checking. MSNBC is known for its investigative reporting, while the New York Times has a long history of covering immigration issues comprehensively. Additionally, ICE's own announcements and data provide a primary source for the reported figures, although the agency has faced criticism regarding transparency and the conditions within its facilities (ICE).

Critics argue that the reported deaths reflect systemic issues within ICE, including inadequate medical care and poor living conditions, which have been documented by various human rights organizations (AILA). The deaths are not merely statistical; they represent real individuals whose cases have sparked outrage and calls for reform.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that ICE reported 12 deaths in detention facilities in fiscal year 2025 is accurate, based on multiple credible sources, including ICE's own data and reputable news outlets. The ongoing scrutiny of ICE's practices and the conditions within its facilities underscores the importance of this issue and the need for continued oversight and reform.

Sources

1. Detainee Death Reporting - ICE
2. Audits, Inspections, and Evaluations | Office of Inspector General
3. Cuban national dies in ICE custody
4. Concerns Grow Over Dire Conditions in Immigrant Detention
5. Tom Homan downplays deaths in ICE detention centers as numbers grow - MSNBC
6. Deaths at Adult Detention Centers - AILA
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