Mexican Detainee Dies in ICE Custody as Migrant Deaths Reach Five-Year High

Mexican Detainee Dies in ICE Custody

ICE Reports 14 Migrant Deaths

Highest Number in Five Years

According to EFE, a 32-year-old Mexican citizen died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Arizona, raising the number of migrant deaths this fiscal year to 14.

This marks the highest level of deaths in immigration detention centers in the past five years, surpassing the 12 deaths reported in fiscal year 2024.

The case, involving Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas, has sparked concern among human rights organizations and Mexican consular officials.

ICE officially notified the Mexican Embassy of his death, though the cause has not yet been determined.

Death in Arizona Detention

Mexican Detainee Dies in ICE Custody as Migrant Deaths Hit Five-Year High https://t.co/FOuYHkFUrD

— Departamento19 (@Departamento19) September 3, 2025

According to the agency, Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas died at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Arizona this past Sunday.

He had been held at the Arizona Central Correctional Complex in the city of Florence.

His initial arrest occurred on July 15 in Phoenix, when he was detained by local police.

Authorities charged him with aggravated assault, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful escape from custody.

Judicial Background of the Mexican Detainee

Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas, 32, died on August 31 at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Arizona.
He had been detained at the Arizona Central Correctional Complex in Florence. pic.twitter.com/UHFcutV01e

— FuerzaAztlán (@FuerzaAztlan) September 4, 2025

According to official records, Batrez Vargas pleaded guilty to charges of possession and unlawful escape.

For those offenses, he received a 12-month probation sentence in August.

However, after the ruling, ICE assumed custody of him at the Arizona detention center.

The agency also stated that the Mexican national had been arrested in 2018 and 2024 for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Mexican Detainee’s Death Adds to Rising Numbers

Mexican Detainee Dies in ICE Custody – FOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

With this case, migrant deaths in ICE custody during the current fiscal year have reached 14.

That figure is the highest since 2021 and the second-highest since records began.

In fiscal year 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 21 deaths were reported—the all-time record.

By contrast, fiscal year 2024 closed with 12 cases, highlighting a sharp rise in less than a year.

Criticism Over Detention Conditions

Human rights organizations have repeatedly denounced the conditions migrants face under ICE custody.

Reports cite inadequate medical care, overcrowding, and lack of proper attention in detention centers.

The death of Batrez Vargas once again raises questions about transparency in ICE procedures.

The agency maintains that all deaths are internally investigated, though results often take months to be released.

Pattern of Deaths in ICE Custody

The rise in deaths under ICE custody reflects a troubling trend in detention center management.

Since 2021, the annual figure had not exceeded 13, but 2025 has already set a new increase.

Causes of death range from untreated illnesses to violent incidents and possible medical negligence.

The Batrez Vargas case now joins a list of fatalities that critics say expose systemic failures in the immigration detention system.