U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is ending a policy that required the agency to publicly report deaths of former detainees that occurred within 30 days of their release from federal custody.
The change marks a shift away from a policy introduced during the Biden administration, which instructed the agency to review and report all detainee fatalities, including those that happened after individuals had been released.
The decision arrives as federal immigration detention practices continue to face growing attention from lawmakers, immigrant rights advocates, and public health experts.
Policy Change Draws Attention
Under the previous guidance, ICE tracked and reported deaths connected to former detainees during the month following their release. The agency will no longer carry out those reviews once an individual is no longer under its custody.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security explained the rationale behind the move in a statement.
“Under this updated policy, when an individual is no longer in ICE custody then ICE will no longer be responsible for monitoring or reviewing deaths that may occur,” a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told ABC News in a statement. “This is common sense. ICE is not responsible when an individual passes away weeks after leaving their custody.”
Supporters of the change argue that ICE’s responsibility should end when detainees are released. Critics, however, have questioned whether ending post-release reporting could reduce visibility into potential health or medical issues linked to detention conditions.
Rising Scrutiny Over Detention Deaths
The policy adjustment comes as deaths within immigration detention facilities remain under intense examination.
According to lawmakers, 49 people have died while in ICE custody since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Meanwhile, researchers and advocates have raised concerns about health care standards and detention conditions across the federal immigration system.
A recent study highlighted concerns surrounding mortality rates in detention facilities, fueling renewed debate over medical oversight and detainee welfare.
Analysis Highlights Deadly Period
Data reviewed by federal officials and analyzed by journalists point to a troubling trend.
According to an analysis of Immigration and Customs Enforcement records and detainee death figures provided to Congress, the first 14 months of the second Trump administration have been among the deadliest periods for the detention system in recent years.
The only recent period that saw a higher toll was 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected detention facilities and contributed to deaths across the country.
As a result, lawmakers and advocacy organizations continue to push for greater oversight of detention operations and health services.
DHS Says Transparency Will Continue
Despite ending post-release death reporting, the Department of Homeland Security says ICE will continue providing information about deaths that occur while detainees remain in federal custody.
On Thursday, the DHS spokesperson told ABC News that ICE “remains committed to transparency regarding detainee deaths.”
The policy change is expected to remain a point of debate as immigration enforcement and detention practices continue to be closely monitored by Congress, advocacy groups, and public health experts.