Fact Check: The Total Number of Reported Deaths in ICE Detention Can Vary by Year
What We Know
The claim that the total number of reported deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention can vary by year is supported by data from various studies and reports. According to a recent study covering fiscal years 2021 to 2023, there were 12 reported deaths in ICE detention, a significant decrease compared to 38 deaths reported from fiscal years 2018 to 2020 (PubMed). The death rates per 100,000 admissions also varied significantly across these years, with rates of 3.251 in FY2021, 0.939 in FY2022, and 1.457 in FY2023, contrasting sharply with a pandemic-era high of 10.833 in FY2020 (PubMed).
ICE has been mandated since 2018 to publicly report deaths in custody, which has led to a systematic collection of data regarding these incidents (ICE Detainee Death Reporting). The reported deaths include both medical and suicide-related causes, with the study indicating a notable shift in the causes of death over the years. For instance, during FY2021-2023, only 8.3% of deaths were attributed to suicide, compared to 23.7% during FY2018-2020 (PubMed).
Analysis
The evidence clearly indicates that the number of reported deaths in ICE detention is not static and can fluctuate significantly from year to year. The data from the studies reviewed shows a clear trend of decreasing death rates in recent years, particularly following the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic (PubMed).
The sources used in this analysis are credible and come from peer-reviewed studies and official ICE reports. The studies published in AIMS Public Health provide a systematic review of the data collected from ICE's own death reports, ensuring that the findings are based on official statistics rather than anecdotal evidence (PubMed, PMC). Additionally, the ICE Detainee Death Reporting policy establishes a framework for transparency regarding deaths in custody, further supporting the reliability of the data (ICE Detainee Death Reporting).
However, it is essential to note that while the reported numbers provide a clear picture, they may still underestimate the total deaths associated with ICE detention, as some individuals who die shortly after release may not be included in these statistics (PubMed). This limitation suggests that while the reported numbers vary, the actual mortality associated with ICE detention could be higher.
Conclusion
The claim that the total number of reported deaths in ICE detention can vary by year is True. The data supports this assertion, showing significant fluctuations in reported deaths across different fiscal years, particularly influenced by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The systematic reporting requirements established by ICE enhance the credibility of the data, although potential underreporting of deaths post-release remains a concern.
Sources
- Deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention ... - PubMed Link
- Deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention: FY2018 ... - PMC Link
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics Link
- Detainee Death Reporting - ICE Link
- The number of deaths in ICE custody is already more than double all of ... - NBC News Link
