Full Breakdown
Family of Teen Who Died in ICE Custody Seeks Answers
4/2/2026, 8:35:34 PM
Circumstances Surrounding Royer Perez-Jimenez's Death
Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old immigrant, was found dead on March 16, 2025, at the Glades County Detention Center in Florida, where he was held under U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) custody. His death has been classified by ICE as a "presumed suicide," although the official cause remains under investigation. This incident marks Perez-Jimenez as the youngest individual to die in ICE custody since January 2025, raising significant concerns about the treatment of detainees in such facilities.
Family's Response and Concerns
Following the news of his death, Perez-Jimenez's father, Manuel Perez Ruiz, expressed disbelief regarding the circumstances surrounding his son's passing. In a video shared online, he stated, “It’s something we can’t believe, that he would commit suicide while under the authorities,” asserting that his son was mentally well and had no behavioral health issues prior to his death. ICE reported that Perez-Jimenez had been evaluated upon intake and had answered "no" to all suicide screening questions.
The family is currently facing challenges in repatriating Perez-Jimenez's body to their hometown in Chiapas, Mexico. They initially set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs, but it has since been taken down. The family has not received confirmation from the Mexican consulate regarding the status of the body’s return.
Timeline of Events Leading to Detention
Royer Perez-Jimenez entered the United States in February 2022 at the age of 15, initially being granted a voluntary return to Mexico. He later reentered the U.S. illegally. 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 to ICE custody on February 21 and subsequent placement in the Glades County Detention Center on February 26.
Official Statements and International Attention
ICE stated that Perez-Jimenez was found unresponsive by a detention officer at approximately 2:30 a.m. on March 16, and despite attempts at resuscitation, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The incident has drawn international scrutiny, including a call for a full investigation from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who highlighted the need for accountability in light of multiple deaths of Mexican nationals in ICE custody this year.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of ICE and the detention system have raised concerns about the conditions within facilities like Glades County Detention Center, which has faced allegations of abuse. The family’s skepticism regarding the official account of Perez-Jimenez's death reflects broader concerns about the treatment of detainees and the transparency of ICE operations.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While ICE maintains that Perez-Jimenez's death was a suicide, his family and advocates question this narrative, citing his mental health and the circumstances of his detention. The lack of clarity regarding the repatriation of his body and the absence of responses from the Mexican consulate further complicate the situation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “His life ended inside prison,” — Manuel Perez Ruiz, Father of Royer Perez-Jimenez
- “This can’t be happening,” — Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico
The case of Royer Perez-Jimenez underscores ongoing issues within the U.S. immigration detention system and highlights the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of detainees.
