Story perspectives

Community Mourns Young Man's Death in ICE Custody

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hundreds attended the funeral of 19-year-old Royer Perez Jimenez on April 4, 2026, in San Juan Chamula, Mexico, after he died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
His family condemned the charges leading to his detention and disputed ICE's claim that he died by suicide.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum called for a full investigation into the incident, highlighting the need for accountability.
Since January 2025, at least 46 individuals have died in ICE custody, with Perez being the youngest.
The family faced financial difficulties in repatriating his body but received support from the community.

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Story summary

Hundreds attended the funeral of 19-year-old Royer Perez Jimenez on April 4, 2026, in San Juan Chamula, Mexico, after he died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
His family condemned the charges leading to his detention and disputed ICE's claim that he died by suicide.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum called for a full investigation into the incident, highlighting the need for accountability.
Since January 2025, at least 46 individuals have died in ICE custody, with Perez being the youngest.
The family faced financial difficulties in repatriating his body but received support from the community.