AP Finds Record Spike In Suicides Among ICE Detainees Since 2025
An AP investigation found at least 10 ICE detainees have died by suicide since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, a record spike in deaths in U.S. immigration custody.[1]
Since October 2025, seven deaths in ICE custody were ruled suicides, already the highest suicide count for any fiscal year in ICE's history, compared with the usual one or none.[1] Those suicides make up nearly one-fifth of 51 deaths in ICE custody since January 2025, most of which were from natural causes that experts say were often preventable with timely care.[1] DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis said suicides in ICE custody remain "extremely rare" and that facilities follow suicide-prevention protocols and provide comprehensive health care, including mental health services.[1]
Colombian detainee Brayan Rayo Garzon died by suicide in April 2025 after four days in isolation with COVID-19 at a Missouri jail.[1] During his isolation, his request for mental health treatment was postponed and his nightly calls to his mother were halted, the investigation found.[1]
The AP investigation was published May 27, 2026 and has prompted new scrutiny of detention health care and oversight.[1] The report raises questions about whether current policies and staffing levels are enough to prevent more deaths in custody.
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📌 Key Facts
- AP investigation published May 27, 2026, found at least 10 ICE detainees have died by suicide since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025.
- Since October 2025, seven ICE detainee deaths have been ruled suicides, already the highest suicide count for any fiscal year in ICE’s history, compared with the usual one or none.
- Suicides represent nearly one-fifth of 51 deaths in ICE custody since January 2025, most of which were from natural causes that experts say were often preventable with timely care.
- Colombian detainee Brayan Rayo Garzon died by suicide in April 2025 after four days in isolation with COVID-19 at a Missouri jail, during which his request for mental health treatment was postponed and his nightly calls to his mother were halted.
- DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis said suicides in ICE custody remain "extremely rare" and that facilities follow suicide prevention protocols and provide comprehensive health care, including mental health services.
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