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Welcome to The Logoff: Persons are dying in ICE custody at a report tempo.
What’s occurring? Earlier this week, we realized that Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old from Mexico, died in ICE custody by a “presumed suicide,” in keeping with the company. His dying is not less than the thirteenth to be reported in 2026, not even three full months into the 12 months.
Information of Perez-Jimenez’s dying follows that of Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, an Afghan refugee who fought alongside US forces in Afghanistan earlier than coming to the US in 2021. Paktiawal, who died on Saturday, was reportedly arrested by masked immigration brokers whereas dropping his kids off in school the day earlier than. His household says they nonetheless don’t know why he died.
What’s the context? In 2004 — the primary full 12 months ICE existed — 32 individuals died in custody. No different 12 months had greater than 20 deaths till 2025, when 31 individuals died, in keeping with ICE information reported by CBS.
Now, in 2026, ICE has reported extra deaths in custody than 16 earlier full years — and greater than 3 times as many as at this level in 2025.
What’s the large image? There are practically 70,000 individuals presently in ICE detention, in comparison with fewer than 40,000 when Donald Trump returned to workplace final 12 months.
More and more lots of these detainees are actually being arrested solely for immigration violations, in keeping with Reuters. These arrests have been by far the smallest class when Trump took workplace, however now outstrip each detainees convicted of crimes and people going through prison prices.
A lot of these detainees are being held in appalling circumstances, the place they face overcrowded and unsanitary services, lack of entry to care, and alleged abuse by immigration officers. One detainee at a very infamous camp advised the AP it was “1,000% worse than a jail.”
And with that, it’s time to log out…
Hello readers — this was a very darkish e-newsletter, even by latest requirements, however I need to follow our promise to finish with one thing good, helpful, or in any other case distant from the Trump administration. So right here’s a stunning, transportive New York Occasions Journal story, from writer and dogsled racer Blair Braverman. It’s higher learn than described, so simply belief me; you may entry it with a present hyperlink right here. Have an important night, and we’ll see you again right here tomorrow!
