In recent months, the growing number of deaths among immigrants in U.S. government custody has led to increased scrutiny. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now under pressure to enhance medical care within its detention facilities. This follows reports of 18 detainee deaths in the first five months of this year.
The Delaney Hall detention center in Newark is among the facilities where these issues are being highlighted.
A memo from acting director David Venturella, distributed to ICE employees on Thursday and reviewed by The Washington Post, outlines significant changes in the agency’s reporting policies. The memo specifies that ICE will no longer be required to report deaths that happen within 30 days after a detainee has been released from custody.
This change in protocol reduces the scope of incidents that ICE needs to document and report, drawing concern from advocacy groups and lawmakers who are pressing for more accountability and transparency within the agency.