Fact Check: "Over 1,200 migrants died in U.S. custody during Trump's first term."
What We Know
The claim that "over 1,200 migrants died in U.S. custody during Trump's first term" is a significant assertion regarding the treatment of migrants under the Trump administration. According to a report by NBC News, 24 immigrants died in ICE custody during the Trump administration, specifically noted until June 2019. This figure is far below the claimed 1,200 deaths. Furthermore, a report from the Immigration Policy Tracking Project indicated that seven migrants died in ICE custody within the first 100 days of Trump's presidency, highlighting the ongoing concerns about conditions in detention facilities.
In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security has documented various deaths in custody, but these numbers do not approach the 1,200 figure. Recent reports indicate that the number of deaths in ICE custody has fluctuated, with 12 deaths reported in the fiscal year 2024 and 13 deaths reported in the early part of fiscal year 2025, as noted by The Guardian.
Analysis
The claim of 1,200 migrant deaths in custody during Trump's first term lacks credible support. The sources available indicate a much lower number of deaths. The figure of 24 deaths reported by NBC News is the most comprehensive number available for the entirety of Trump's presidency as of mid-2019. This suggests that the claim may be exaggerated or misrepresented.
The reliability of the sources is crucial in this context. NBC News is a well-established news organization with a history of investigative reporting, lending credibility to their findings. The Immigration Policy Tracking Project also provides valuable insights based on documented cases and reports. In contrast, the claim itself does not appear to be substantiated by any credible data or reports from recognized organizations or government agencies.
The discrepancy between the claimed number and the reported figures raises questions about the accuracy of the assertion. It is essential to rely on verified statistics and reports when discussing sensitive topics such as migrant deaths in custody.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified. The claim that "over 1,200 migrants died in U.S. custody during Trump's first term" is not supported by credible evidence. The available data indicates a significantly lower number of deaths, primarily documented by reputable news sources and government reports. Without substantial evidence to back the claim, it remains unverified.
