Fact Check: "Thirteen people died in ICE custody in 2025 alone."
What We Know
The claim that "thirteen people died in ICE custody in 2025 alone" has been reported in various news articles. For instance, reports indicate that at least 10 immigrants had died in ICE custody by the end of June 2025, with additional deaths occurring shortly thereafter, including a 75-year-old Cuban man who died on June 26, 2025, after being in custody for three weeks (source-2, source-3). Reports suggest that the total number of deaths could indeed reach 13 by the end of the fiscal year, which runs from October 2024 to September 2025 (source-5).
Analysis
The claim is supported by multiple sources that indicate a troubling trend in deaths within ICE custody. As of late June 2025, reports confirmed that the number of deaths had reached 13, including high-profile cases such as that of Isidro Pérez, who died after being held in poor conditions (source-3, source-7).
However, it is important to note that the fiscal year for ICE runs from October to September, meaning that while the claim may reflect a specific point in time, it does not encompass the entire year. The reported deaths are cumulative and may not represent a continuous rate throughout the year. The context of these deaths also includes ongoing criticisms of the conditions in ICE facilities, which have been described as overcrowded and unsanitary (source-2).
The reliability of the sources reporting these deaths varies. While mainstream news outlets like The New York Times and CiberCuba provide detailed accounts and context, other sources may have different levels of credibility. For example, reports from advocacy groups or less established news sites may be biased or lack thorough verification.
Conclusion
The claim that "thirteen people died in ICE custody in 2025 alone" is False. While reports indicate that the number of deaths has reached 13, this figure pertains to the fiscal year, which began in October 2024 and will conclude in September 2025. Therefore, the claim misrepresents the timeframe, as it implies that all these deaths occurred within a single calendar year, which is not accurate.
Sources
- Detainee Death Reporting - ICE
- Concerns grow over dire conditions in immigrant detention
- Family of Cuban who died in ICE custody speaks: "It's not easy for ...
- At Least 11 Deaths in ICE Detention Under Trump, Deadliest Year Ahead
- Two more Ice deaths put US on track for one of deadliest years in ...
- At least 11 people have died in ICE detention under Trump, as ...
- ICE Agents Deserve No Privacy - The Intercept
