Four detainees from Haiti, Nicaragua, Eritrea and Bulgaria died in ICE custody between Dec. 12 and Dec. 15, raising 2025 in‑custody deaths to at least 30 — the highest total since 2004. ICE says two deaths followed medical emergencies and two appeared to be from natural causes; all remain under investigation. The fatalities come amid a major expansion of detention under the Trump administration, and have prompted renewed calls for oversight. A judge recently cleared unannounced congressional inspections, and Rep. Dan Goldman visited a Lower Manhattan facility following the ruling.
Four Die in ICE Custody as 2025 In‑Custody Deaths Hit Two‑Decade High
A sign reading “Turn Illegals Into ICE” is stuck to a road sign, amid reports that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is planning to deploy about 250 federal border agents to Louisiana in the coming days, in the Metairie suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., November 21, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Four immigrants died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody between Dec. 12 and Dec. 15, the agency said, bringing the number of in‑custody deaths in 2025 to the highest level in roughly 20 years.
ICE notices identified the deceased as nationals of Haiti, Nicaragua, Eritrea and Bulgaria. The agency said two of the incidents followed medical emergencies and two are believed to have resulted from natural causes; all four cases remain under investigation.
Those fatalities have occurred amid a substantial expansion of detention under the Trump administration, which has pursued broader deportation efforts. ICE reported roughly 66,000 people in custody as of late November, a record level for the agency as it seeks to increase removals.
Scale And Reaction
According to ICE notices, at least 30 people have died in agency detention so far in 2025 — the highest annual total since 2004, with 12 days still remaining in the year. The agency said in one notice that it is "committed to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments" while investigations continue.
"ICE has a responsibility to take care of these people, something they are clearly disregarding," Representative Pramila Jayapal said, calling the deaths "beyond horrifying."
Oversight And Visits
A federal judge recently ruled that the administration could not bar members of Congress from making unannounced visits to immigration detention centers. Democratic lawmakers had sued, arguing that unannounced inspections are protected by law and are necessary for oversight.
Following the court order, Representative Dan Goldman visited an ICE holding facility in Lower Manhattan on Friday to inspect conditions firsthand.
Investigations into the recent deaths remain ongoing, and ICE and other oversight bodies may provide additional details as inquiries proceed.
