Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old Mexican national, was found unresponsive in an ICE facility and later died, prompting calls for accountability from Mexican authorities.
A 19-year-old Mexican man, Royer Perez-Jimenez, died while in custody at the Glades County Detention Center in Florida, according to a statement from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was found unconscious and unresponsive in his cell on March 16, and officials reported that staff immediately began life-saving efforts.
Perez-Jimenez had been arrested in January and faced charges of fraud for impersonation and misdemeanor resisting an officer. ICE stated that upon his admission to the facility, he denied any behavioral health issues and answered negatively to all suicide screening questions.
Official Response and Investigation
The agency described the death as a presumed suicide, but emphasized that the official cause remains under investigation. The Mexican government has requested detailed information about the incident, calling it unacceptable in a statement from their foreign ministry.
The Mexican foreign ministry urged US authorities to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation to determine responsibility and prevent future occurrences. This marks the latest in a series of events related to immigration enforcement.
According to reports from groups like the Detention Watch Network, more than 42 migrant deaths have occurred in custody since the current US administration began in January 2025. In contrast, statistics from ICE indicate that only 24 deaths were reported during the previous four-year term.
Immigration raids under the current administration have also resulted in other fatalities, including those of migrants and two US citizens in separate incidents. Perez-Jimenez is noted as the youngest person to die in ICE custody since the administration's start.
Officials have not provided further details on the circumstances leading to the arrest or the exact timeline of events, as the investigation continues.
