Record Deaths and Child Detentions Under Trump’s Immigration Surge

Abuse of Power

Apr 17

Following the nationwide deployment of federal agents, violence and fatalities in immigration custody have surged.

Fatalities: 2025 was deadliest year in immigration custody in over two decades, with 32 deaths.
Detentions: Over 6,200 children have been detained.
Violence: As of February 2026, agents have shot 18 people (six fatalities, including Alex Pretti and Renee Good). There have been 43 documented incidents of agents holding bystanders or protesters at gunpoint.

SOURCES: The Guardian | The Trace

Experts and major outlets describe a breakdown in oversight and accountability:

Systemic Failure: Former officials warned NPR that reduced oversight ensures continued fatalities.
"National Police Force": Sources told ProPublica that masked officers now operate as an "unfettered" national police force.
Editorial Scrutiny: The Washington Post called the Pretti killing a "moral and political failure," while The New York Times accused DHS of "lying in defiance of obvious truths."

SOURCES: NPR | ProPublica | Editorial: Washington Post | Editorial: New York Times

Federal Action (Congress):

Enhance Oversight: Defend the right to conduct surprise inspections of detention centers.
End Legal Immunity: Pass the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act, and the Bivens Act to allow victims to sue federal agents for civil rights violations.
Establish Standards: Pass the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act to codify use-of-force rules and agent transparency.
Litigate: Support legal challenges against mass detention and federal deployments in states.

State & Local Action:

Sever Ties: Terminate all cooperation agreements with ICE or DHS.
Protect Spaces: Restrict ICE access to schools, hospitals, courts, and religious institutions.