Fact Check: Suicide attempts are reported among detainees in ICE custody.

Fact Check: "Suicide attempts are reported among detainees in ICE custody."

What We Know

Reports indicate that suicide attempts do occur among detainees in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. A recent investigation by WIRED highlighted that at least seven emergency calls from various ICE detention centers described incidents of suicide attempts or self-harm, including overdoses and hangings. Furthermore, a press release from the University of Washington Center for Human Rights revealed that there have been at least six documented suicide attempts at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, as reported in 911 call logs (source-1).

ICE has established policies aimed at preventing self-directed violence among detainees, as outlined in their Suicide Prevention Care Program. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned, especially in light of the rising number of medical emergencies reported in detention facilities.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that suicide attempts are reported among detainees in ICE custody is substantial. The data from WIRED's investigation reflects a broader trend of increasing medical emergencies in these facilities, with suicide attempts being a significant concern. The fact that multiple sources, including a reputable university's human rights center and a well-known media outlet, corroborate the existence of suicide attempts lends credibility to the claim.

However, it's important to consider the context and reliability of the sources. The University of Washington Center for Human Rights is a credible institution focused on human rights issues, and their findings are based on documented 911 calls, which provide direct evidence of the incidents. WIRED, as a publication, is known for its investigative journalism, and their report is based on a comprehensive analysis of emergency call data from multiple ICE facilities, making it a reliable source of information (source-4).

On the other hand, ICE's own policies regarding suicide prevention (source-2) indicate an awareness of the issue, but the effectiveness of these policies is often scrutinized due to the high-stress environment and reported overcrowding in detention centers. The combination of these factors suggests that while ICE has protocols in place, they may not be sufficient to prevent the rising trend of suicide attempts.

Conclusion

The claim that "suicide attempts are reported among detainees in ICE custody" is True. Multiple credible sources confirm that such incidents have been documented, highlighting a significant issue within the ICE detention system. The evidence from emergency calls and reports from human rights organizations underscores the need for improved mental health care and oversight in these facilities.

Fact Check: Suicide attempts are reported among detainees in ICE custody.