Published on: 2026-06-26
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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June 26, 2026 Human Rights
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, on Friday called for urgent measures to prevent new deaths in migrant detention centers run by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and also to conduct an independent investigation into all cases of deaths in custody.
According to Tyurko, the serious concern is caused by the fact that, according to official US government data, 18 people died in ICE detention facilities in the first five months of the current year. In June, a report about another case was also received. In total, 33 deaths were registered in 2025, compared to 11 in 2024.
The military commissioner noted that the lack of transparency and clarity regarding the circumstances of people’s deaths undermines the possibility of holding those responsible accountable.
“I call for an operational, independent, impartial, and effective investigation of all cases of death in ICE custody. Individuals who break the law must be held accountable, and the families of the deceased must have the right to the truth, justice, compensation for damages, and guarantees to prevent similar cases in the future,” Tyurk stated.
According to him, the increase in the number of deaths is associated with the large-scale expansion of the immigration detention system in the United States. Currently, more than 60,000 people are held in ICE centers, whereas at the beginning of 2025 there were about 40,000. By the end of 2026, the authorities plan to increase the system’s capacity to 90,000 people.
Overcrowded centers and harsh living conditions
As noted in the statement, among those detained there are entire families with children, as well as people with serious illnesses. It is reported that they are often kept in conditions that do not meet standards: without adequate medical care and nutrition. The detainees also face the risk of infection with infectious diseases in overcrowded facilities.
Calls reporting concerns about the use of force are coming in. In addition, five officially registered deaths in 2026 were classified as suicides.
According to the representative of the commission, the lack of information about the whereabouts of detainees during their transfer between institutions causes serious suffering to families, and the prolonged uncertainty regarding their legal status exacerbates the psychological condition of the migrants themselves.
The Turk also expressed concern regarding reports of the use of solitary confinement. According to him, such a measure should only be applied in exceptional cases, and its prolonged or indefinite use can be equated with cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
“All these factors increase the vulnerability of people and raise serious questions about whether some of these deaths could have been prevented under ICE custody,” he emphasized.
Alternatives to detention
The regional commissioner said that the authorities should give priority to alternatives to detention. According to him, migrant detention should be used only as a last resort and, as a rule, should not be applied to people with severe physical or mental illnesses, as well as pregnant women. Regardless of immigration status or the status of their parents, children should not be placed in immigration detention centers.
Turk called on the US authorities to ensure compliance with international standards in the field of human rights detention conditions. This includes respect for human dignity, prevention of overcrowding in institutions, timely access to medical care, including psychiatric, notification of relatives, consular support, legal assistance, and interpreter services.
He also called for the full restoration and strengthening of independent mechanisms for controlling the immigration detention system, emphasizing the important role in preventing violations. In addition, the Commissioner noted the significance of parliamentary oversight over the activities of immigration authorities and the use of public funds for this purpose.
In conclusion, Türks strongly condemned the ongoing dehumanization and criminalization of migrants and refugees. He expressed support for everyone who continues to defend human rights, including lawyers, journalists, religious organizations, and representatives of civil society.
The Commissioner for Human Rights reminded about the inadmissibility of returning people to a country where they may face serious human rights violations or other irreparable harm.
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