Freshness note: This analysis was last updated 28 days ago. Fast-moving policy claims can change quickly, so check for newer official updates before relying on this verdict.
“83 people have died in ICE custody during Trump's terms, with 37 deaths in the first 12 months of his second term”
Summary
According to ICE data reported by DW, 83 people have died in ICE custody across Trump's two terms as of early 2026, with 37 deaths occurring in the first 12 months of his second term. This represents a higher rate than previous administrations, with the first year of Trump's second term accumulating deaths comparable to four years under Obama.
Primary Sources
DW fact-check analyzing ICE custody death statistics across administrations, reporting 83 total deaths under Trump with 37 in the first 12 months of his second term, compared to 67 deaths during Obama's eight years.
Evidence Supporting the Claim
- DW reports that ICE data shows 83 total deaths in custody during Trump's terms as president
- According to the DW fact-check, there were 37 deaths in the first 12 months of Trump's second term
- ICE maintains official lists tracking deaths in custody by fiscal year from October to September
- Immigration law scholar Cesar Cuauhtemoc Garcia Hernandez stated the Trump administration is on track to see the largest number of deaths of people detained by ICE
Evidence Against / Context
- The 37 deaths in Trump's first 12 months of his second term is comparable to the number accumulated under Obama in four years, providing important comparative context
- Deaths in detention are tracked separately from deaths involving ICE enforcement actions, which may create confusion about total mortality
- The higher death count is attributed to more people being detained and kept for longer periods, not examined as a rate per detainee
Timeline
Obama presidency begins; 67 total deaths occurred in ICE custody over his eight-year term
Trump's first term begins
Trump's second term begins
37 deaths had occurred in ICE custody during the first 12 months of Trump's second term; two high-profile ICE shootings of US citizens sparked public outcry
Total of 83 deaths in ICE custody reported across both Trump terms
What This Means
Structured interpretation — not opinion
Key takeaway 1
The numerical claim of 83 total deaths and 37 deaths in the first year of Trump's second term is supported by ICE data as reported by DW
Key takeaway 2
The death rate in Trump's second term represents a significant increase compared to previous administrations when measured by time period rather than per capita
Key takeaway 3
Scholars attribute the increase to detention policy changes including higher numbers of people detained and longer detention periods
Key takeaway 4
ICE tracks deaths by fiscal year running October through September, and separately categorizes deaths in custody versus deaths during enforcement actions
Related Claims in Immigration
“ICE killed 9 people in detention in 2026”
Nine deaths occurred in ICE detention facilities between October 2025 and early 2026, according to ICE records. The characterization of these as ICE 'killing' detainees is disputed, as deaths resulted from various causes including medical conditions, suicide, and complications, though advocates point to inadequate care and conditions as contributing factors.
“ICE killed 9 people in 2026”
The claim that ICE killed 9 people in 2026 cannot be verified as 2026 has not yet occurred. As of March 2026, only a portion of the year has elapsed. ICE detention center deaths are tracked by the agency and reported annually, but attributing deaths directly to ICE as killings requires specific evidence of causation and intent that would need case-by-case examination.
“A deaf Bay Area boy and his family were deported to Colombia without his hearing aids”
California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond confirmed that a deaf student from the Bay Area was deported to Colombia with his family and does not have his hearing aids with him. Thurmond publicly called on the Trump administration to return the family to the United States.