Story perspectives

Mexican Migrant Dies in ICE Custody: 46th Death This Year

3/21/2026

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Center

Migrant's Tragic Death

Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old Mexican migrant, died in ICE custody at the Glades County Detention Center in Florida, with officials stating he "died of presumed suicide."
His death is the 46th reported under ICE since January 2025.
Perez-Jimenez was arrested on January 22 for felony impersonation and transferred to ICE custody on February 21.
Medical personnel found him unresponsive on March 20, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Mexican government condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation, raising concerns about conditions in U.S. immigration detention facilities.

Left

Paktyawal's Fatal Detention

Afghan asylum seeker Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Texas less than 24 hours after detention.
He was hospitalized for shortness of breath and chest pain.
Advocacy groups are calling for an investigation into ICE fatalities, which have reached at least seven in Texas this year.
Paktyawal had previously worked with U.S. forces and was detained while dropping off his children at school.

History

Historical Context

In 2025, the U.S. faced intense scrutiny over immigration detention practices after multiple deaths, including that of Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old Mexican national. Reports indicated 46 deaths under ICE since January, highlighting systemic issues in detention conditions. Advocacy groups demanded urgent reforms, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved oversight in light of these alarming incidents.

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Migrant's Tragic Death

Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old Mexican migrant, died in ICE custody at the Glades County Detention Center in Florida, with officials stating he "died of presumed suicide."
His death is the 46th reported under ICE since January 2025.
Perez-Jimenez was arrested on January 22 for felony impersonation and transferred to ICE custody on February 21.
Medical personnel found him unresponsive on March 20, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Mexican government condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation, raising concerns about conditions in U.S. immigration detention facilities.

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