Human Rights Commissioner urges prevention of further deaths in US immigration detention centres

Official US data indicate that 19 people have died in agency detention centers so far this year, reflecting an upward trend, with 33 deaths recorded last year, and 11 deaths in 2024.

The High Commissioner expressed his deep concern about these figures, noting that the lack of transparency and clarity about the circumstances of these deaths in custody undermines accountability for them. He added: “Those responsible for violations of the law must be held accountable, and the rights of victims’ families to know the truth, achieve justice, obtain reparation, and ensure that such violations are not repeated.”

This comes amid a significant expansion of the immigration detention system in the United States. Detainees – including entire families with children and people with fragile health conditions – are reported to often face inhumane conditions of detention and treatment, including inadequate health care and food, and exposure to disease outbreaks in overcrowded facilities.

Türk stressed the need to give priority to alternatives, stressing that immigration detention should be an exceptional measure used as a last resort, and that it should generally be avoided for people with serious medical or psychological conditions, as well as pregnant women. He also emphasized that migrant children should not be subjected to detention, regardless of their legal status or that of their parents.

The High Commissioner stressed the need to ensure that US immigration detention facilities comply with international human rights standards and principles. He also urged the full reactivation and strengthening of independent oversight mechanisms over immigration detention, highlighting their importance as a basic safeguard against violations.

He strongly condemned the continued dehumanization of migrants and refugees, expressing his support for all those who continue to advocate for the dignity, equity and protection of the human rights of these people, including lawyers, journalists, faith-based organizations and civil society groups.

Türk stressed that no one should be returned to a place where they may face serious human rights violations or other irreparable harm.