ICE Faces Pressure After Rising Deaths in Custody

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is under increasing scrutiny due to rising fatalities among immigrants in its facilities. The first five months of this year alone have seen 18 detainee deaths.

Despite this alarming trend, ICE is reducing its obligations regarding death reporting. A recent memo from acting director David Venturella, reviewed by The Washington Post, indicates a change in policy. ICE will no longer require reporting of deaths occurring within 30 days of a person’s release from custody.

This policy shift occurs amidst calls for ICE to enhance medical care in detention centers. The urgency for reform grows as the agency faces mounting criticism over its handling of detainee wellbeing.