19-Year-Old Mexican Immigrant Dies in ICE Custody

Agency says death was a presumed suicide, but official cause remains under investigation.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 1:52am

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A 19-year-old Mexican immigrant named Royer Perez-Jimenez died on March 16 while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, Florida. ICE stated that Perez-Jimenez's death was a presumed suicide, but the official cause of death remains under investigation.

Why it matters

This is the 44th death of an immigrant in ICE custody during the second Trump administration, raising ongoing concerns about the treatment and conditions of immigrant detainees in the U.S. immigration enforcement system.

The details

According to ICE, Perez-Jimenez entered the U.S. from Mexico on February 19, 2022 and was granted voluntary return. He later reentered the U.S. on an unknown date and was arrested in Florida, charged with felony fraud for impersonation and misdemeanor resisting an officer. ICE placed an immigration detainer on him and he was transferred into ICE custody on February 21, 2026.

  • Perez-Jimenez entered the U.S. from Mexico on February 19, 2022.
  • Perez-Jimenez was arrested in Florida and transferred into ICE custody on February 21, 2026.
  • Perez-Jimenez died in ICE custody on March 16, 2026.

The players

Royer Perez-Jimenez

A 19-year-old Mexican immigrant who died in ICE custody.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The U.S. government agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detaining immigrants.

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What’s next

The official cause of Perez-Jimenez's death remains under investigation by ICE.

The takeaway

This tragic death highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment and conditions of immigrant detainees in ICE custody, and the need for greater oversight and accountability within the U.S. immigration enforcement system.