A 19-year-old Mexican man has died while being detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Glades County Detention Center in Florida. Royer Perez-Jimenez was discovered 'unconscious and unresponsive' early on March 16, and officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his presumed suicide. Since Donald Trump's return to office and a renewed immigration crackdown, he has become the youngest detainee to die in ICE custody.
Upon his arrest in January, Perez-Jimenez was charged with fraud for impersonation and resisting an officer, with records claiming he had entered the US illegally. Despite undergoing suicide screening, he had denied any mental health issues during admission.
The Mexican government has condemned the incident, demanding a thorough investigation to prevent such occurrences in the future. According to advocacy group Detention Watch Network, this death is part of a disturbing trend, with over 42 migrant deaths reported in custody since the start of 2025, highlighting ongoing challenges in the immigration system.
Upon his arrest in January, Perez-Jimenez was charged with fraud for impersonation and resisting an officer, with records claiming he had entered the US illegally. Despite undergoing suicide screening, he had denied any mental health issues during admission.
The Mexican government has condemned the incident, demanding a thorough investigation to prevent such occurrences in the future. According to advocacy group Detention Watch Network, this death is part of a disturbing trend, with over 42 migrant deaths reported in custody since the start of 2025, highlighting ongoing challenges in the immigration system.
