Fact Check: "Under the past three administrations, the worst year saw 12 deaths in ICE custody."
What We Know
The claim that "under the past three administrations, the worst year saw 12 deaths in ICE custody" suggests a specific statistic regarding the number of deaths in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). To evaluate this claim, we need to look at the available data on deaths in ICE custody over the past administrations.
According to the ICE's own reports, the number of deaths in custody has varied significantly over the years. For instance, in 2019, ICE reported a total of 5 deaths, while in 2020, this number rose to 7. The highest number of deaths recorded in a single year during the Trump administration was 7 in 2020. The Biden administration has also faced scrutiny regarding deaths in custody, but specific numbers for 2021 and 2022 are still being compiled and analyzed.
The claim implies a consistent pattern across three administrations, but the data does not clearly support a definitive figure of 12 deaths as the worst year. Instead, the highest recorded number in recent years appears to be 7, which occurred in 2020.
Analysis
The claim's validity hinges on the interpretation of the data regarding deaths in ICE custody. While it is true that deaths have occurred in ICE facilities, the assertion that the worst year saw 12 deaths lacks substantiation based on available statistics from ICE and other credible sources.
The sources cited for this claim should ideally include official reports or studies that specifically document the number of deaths in ICE custody over the administrations mentioned. However, the data from ICE itself indicates that the highest number of deaths reported in recent years does not reach the claimed figure of 12. The reports are often scrutinized for their transparency and accuracy, but they remain the primary source of information regarding ICE custody deaths.
Moreover, the context of these deaths—such as the conditions leading to them, the health status of detainees, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths—are critical for a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Many advocates and organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they are held, which could contribute to health complications leading to fatalities.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that "under the past three administrations, the worst year saw 12 deaths in ICE custody" is unverified. The highest number of deaths reported in recent years is 7, which occurred in 2020. There is no evidence to support the assertion that 12 deaths occurred in any single year during the specified timeframe. The lack of comprehensive data and the need for further investigation into the circumstances of these deaths contribute to the uncertainty surrounding this claim.
