Inquiry into Death of Mexican National in U.S. Immigration Center

The Mexican government is urgently seeking information about an incident they describe as the death of one of their citizens within a U.S. ICE detention center located in Georgia earlier this week.

The population of individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has surged in recent years. Tragically, 2025 marked the most lethal year in two decades for detainees in these facilities, with a minimum of 30 lives lost.

So far this year, according to ICE statistics, there have been four deaths reported among detainees.

On the previous Thursday, Mexico’s Atlanta consulate announced its active interest and oversight concerning the demise of a Mexican national reported to have occurred at an ICE location situated south of the Atlanta metro area.

Mexican officials have demanded clarity regarding the specifics of this event, emphasizing their collaboration in ensuring that the investigation proceeds both swiftly and openly.

While the identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, the consulate has expressed intentions to repatriate the remains to Mexico expediently.

CBS News has contacted both ICE and the Mexican consulate seeking comments, though no official statement from U.S. authorities has been made public as of now.

ICE plays a significant role in the deportation initiatives under former President Trump's administration.

According to data at December’s close, over 68,000 adults were under ICE detention, a stark increase from approximately 36,000 over two years prior.

Recently, ICE has faced heavy national scrutiny following an incident involving an immigration officer in Minneapolis early in the year, inciting widespread protest across the United States.