Death of Mexican Teen in ICE Custody Raises Concerns

Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old Mexican national, died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at the Glades County Detention Center in South Florida on March 16, 2025. According to ICE, Perez was found unconscious by a detention officer around 2:30 a.m. and was later pronounced dead at 2:51 a.m. The agency has stated that his death is presumed to be a suicide, although the official cause remains under investigation. This incident marks Perez as the youngest individual to die in ICE custody since January 2025.

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Perez initially entered the United States in February 2022, where he was granted a voluntary return to Mexico the same day. He later reentered the U.S. illegally, although the specifics of this reentry are unclear. On January 22, 2025, he was arrested by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office for impersonation and resisting an officer. Following this arrest, ICE placed an immigration detainer on him, leading to his transfer into ICE custody on February 21 and subsequent relocation to Glades County on February 26.

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Upon intake at the Glades County Detention Center, ICE reported that Perez was evaluated by medical staff and did not indicate any behavioral health issues, answering "no" to all suicide screening questions. However, the facility has a history of allegations regarding the treatment of detainees, including claims of abuse and neglect. In 2022, a group of 17 members of Congress called for the closure of the detention center, citing instances of racist abuse, inadequate medical care, and exposure to harmful conditions.

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Since January 2025, at least 36 individuals have died in ICE custody, with several cases reported in South Florida. Notable incidents include the deaths of Genry Ruiz-Guillen, who suffered from schizoaffective disorder, and Maksym Chernyak, who reportedly did not receive adequate medical care. These incidents have intensified scrutiny of ICE's practices and the conditions within detention facilities.

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Critics of ICE and the detention system have raised concerns about the agency's handling of detainee health and safety. The circumstances surrounding Perez's death have prompted renewed calls for accountability and reform within ICE, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations in detention. Advocates argue that the systemic issues within facilities like Glades County must be addressed to prevent further tragedies.

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ICE has not provided detailed responses to inquiries regarding Perez's specific circumstances, including whether he was on suicide watch at the time of his death. The agency's statement emphasized the ongoing investigation into the cause of death, while also noting the medical evaluations conducted upon Perez's intake.

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• “Glades County Detention Center has long faced allegations of abuse.” — Advocacy Group Representative

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The death of Royer Perez-Jimenez highlights ongoing issues within the U.S. immigration detention system, raising critical questions about the treatment of detainees and the need for comprehensive reform.

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