Fact Check: "Thirteen people have died in ICE custody in 2025 alone."
What We Know
As of early July 2025, reports indicate that at least 13 individuals have died in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody since the beginning of the year. This includes the recent death of Isidro Pérez, a 75-year-old Cuban immigrant, who passed away at the Krome Detention Center in Miami after being detained for less than a month. His death marks the 13th reported fatality in ICE custody for 2025, with concerns raised about medical neglect and the overall conditions within detention facilities (Democracy Now, CiberCuba).
Earlier reports had suggested that the number of deaths might be as high as 12 by late June 2025, following the death of another detainee, Johnny Noviello, who was found unresponsive in a Miami detention center (VisaVerge). The alarming trend of increasing fatalities has prompted advocacy groups to call for urgent reforms in the treatment of detainees, citing overcrowding and inadequate medical care as significant contributing factors (VisaVerge).
Analysis
The claim that 13 people have died in ICE custody in 2025 is supported by multiple credible sources. The report from Democracy Now confirms that Isidro Pérez's death is the 13th in ICE facilities this year, corroborating the figures provided by other outlets (CiberCuba). Furthermore, the VisaVerge article outlines a troubling increase in deaths, indicating that if the current trend continues, 2025 could be one of the deadliest years for immigrant detention in decades.
The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in reporting on immigration issues. Advocacy groups and legal experts have consistently highlighted the deteriorating conditions in ICE detention centers, which have been exacerbated by overcrowding and insufficient healthcare services (VisaVerge). The ongoing scrutiny from organizations such as the ACLU and Physicians for Human Rights adds further credibility to the claims regarding the systemic issues within ICE facilities (VisaVerge).
However, it is essential to note that while the numbers are alarming, they also reflect broader systemic issues within the immigration enforcement framework that have been criticized for years. The Trump administration's policies have intensified scrutiny on ICE's operational practices, leading to increased fatalities among detainees (VisaVerge).
Conclusion
The claim that thirteen people have died in ICE custody in 2025 alone is True. This assertion is substantiated by multiple reliable sources that document the deaths and the conditions leading to them. The ongoing trend of fatalities in ICE detention highlights significant concerns regarding the treatment of detainees and the urgent need for reform in immigration enforcement practices.
