Tragic Death of Mexican Teen in US Immigration Custody Raises Alarms

Sat Mar 21 2026 01:35:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Mexican teenager, Royer Perez-Jimenez, has died in ICE custody, marking a significant concern over immigrant treatment in the U.S. The incident, presumed a suicide, underscores ongoing discussions about immigration policies.

19-year-old Royer Perez-Jimenez was found unresponsive in ICE custody in Florida, with officials stating a presumed suicide. The Mexican government has expressed outrage, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death amid increasing scrutiny over immigrant detention practices in the U.S.

A 19-year-old Mexican man has died while being held in detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency has confirmed.

Royer Perez-Jimenez was found unconscious and unresponsive on Monday at the Glades County Detention Center in Florida, according to a statement from ICE.

He died of a presumed suicide; however, the official cause of his death remains under investigation, the statement adds.

According to US media, Perez-Jimenez is the youngest prisoner to die in ICE custody since Donald Trump returned to office and launched a nationwide immigration crackdown.

Perez-Jimenez was found in his cell at 02:34 (07:34 GMT) on 16 March, according to ICE, which added that prison staff immediately began life-saving efforts.

The statement says he was arrested in January and charged with fraud for impersonation and misdemeanor resisting an officer. Officials say he had illegally entered the US at an unknown date.

When he was admitted to the jail, he denied any behavioral health issues or concerns and answered 'no' to all suicide screening questions, ICE says.

The Mexican government has requested more details about Perez-Jimenez's death, calling it unacceptable. The foreign ministry reiterated calls for immigration authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to clarify the circumstances around the death, determine responsibility, and establish measures to prevent future occurrences.

According to Detention Watch Network, a group opposing immigrant detention, there have been more than 42 migrant deaths in custody since Trump’s return to power in January 2025.

Under Joe Biden, the president who preceded Trump, only 24 deaths were reported in ICE custody during his entire four-year term, according to ICE statistics.