An investigation by the Associated Press found a sharp rise in suicides among detainees held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising concerns over mental health care and oversight inside immigration detention facilities.
According to the report, at least 10 ICE detainees died by suicide since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. Experts say the pace is unprecedented in ICE’s two-decade history.
Concerns Over Mental Health Care
Public health experts and detention specialists told AP the increase points to serious failures in screening, monitoring and treatment inside detention centers.
Dr. Sanjay Basu called the rise “alarming,” while former New York City jail medical official Homer Venters said detainees were not being properly assessed during intake.
The AP investigation found detainees often faced delayed mental health treatment, isolation, language barriers and limited communication with family members.
Cases Highlight System Failures
One case involved 26-year-old Colombian detainee Brayan Rayo Garzon, who died by suicide in a Missouri jail after repeatedly asking guards to let him call his mother while isolated with COVID-19 symptoms.
Records reviewed by AP showed his mental health appointments were canceled multiple times before his death.
Other deaths occurred at facilities operated by private contractors including CoreCivic and GEO Group, as well as county jails partnering with ICE.
ICE Defends Detention Standards
The Department of Homeland Security said suicide deaths in ICE custody remain “extremely rare” and stated staff follow prevention protocols and provide mental health services.
The detainee population has increased to roughly 60,000 during Trump’s second term as immigration enforcement efforts expanded.
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