Full Breakdown
Homan Confronts CBS Reporter Over ICE Death Statistics
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
During a televised interview, U.S. Customs and Border Protection “border czar” Tom Homan pressed CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez on the number of migrant deaths in ICE custody under the Biden administration. Montoya-Galvez cited ICE data indicating that 57 detainees have died so far this administration and warned that the year could set a new record high. Homan repeatedly asked for the exact figure, claimed he did not have the data on hand, and characterized the question as “loaded.”
Official Statements & Responses
He linked the rise in deaths to a doubled detainee population, estimating roughly 74,000 individuals are currently held.
Montoya-Galvez, referencing ICE’s own records, reported the 57 deaths and noted the possibility of a record-setting year in 2026 if the trend continues. He framed the question as an inquiry into whether increased detention numbers alone explain the mortality rate.
Criticism & Opposition
Former acting assistant attorney general Theo Wold criticized Montoya-Galvez’s line of questioning, calling it “gotcha” journalism lacking backup data. He added that “no one wants in-custody deaths, but no administration can avoid them.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We looked at official ICE data, sir, and found that 57 people have died in the agency's custody so far under this administration,” — Camilo Montoya-Galvez, news' immigration correspondent
- “But this is going to be the highest year in 2026,” — Camilo Montoya-Galvez, news' immigration correspondent
- “Again, it's unfortunate, and it's sad when anybody dies. I don't want to see anybody die, but we do everything we can to give them the best medical care that we can provide. And again, highest detention standards,” — Tom Homan
- “No one wants in-custody deaths, but no administration can avoid them,” — Theo Wold