A 19-year-old detainee has died while in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida, marking the youngest reported death in immigration detention since the current administration took office.
The deceased, identified as Royer Perez-Jimenez, was originally from Mexico. He was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in his room at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven on March 16, according to official statements.
Cause of death under investigation
Authorities stated that the death is being treated as a presumed suicide, although the official cause remains under investigation. Medical evaluations conducted at the time of intake reportedly showed no immediate behavioural health concerns, with the teenager denying any suicidal thoughts during screening.
Perez-Jimenez had been arrested in January in Volusia County, Florida, on charges including impersonation-related fraud and resisting an officer. He was transferred to ICE custody in February and later moved to the Glades facility.
Growing concerns over detention conditions
The case has added to mounting concerns about conditions in immigration detention centres. Reports indicate that at least 10 other detainees have died in ICE custody this year, reflecting a rise compared to previous periods.
Advocacy groups, including the ACLU of Florida and Detention Watch Network, have previously raised alarms about conditions at the same facility.
A recent report cited issues such as exposure to harmful substances, inadequate living conditions, and punitive measures for basic requests, including access to water and sanitation.
Calls for accountability
The incident has renewed calls from activists and human rights organisations for greater transparency, improved medical care, and independent oversight of detention centres.
As investigations continue, the death of Perez-Jimenez has once again brought attention to the risks faced by detainees and the need for reforms in immigration detention systems.