UN Rights Chief Calls for Accountability Following 23 Deaths in US Immigration Custody

Geneva — The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called on the United States government to guarantee accountability and full transparency after at least 23 people died while in immigration custody this year.

In a statement released on Monday, the UN human rights chief criticized the Trump administration for failing to release detailed information on the circumstances surrounding these deaths, which have sparked significant concern among advocates for immigrants’ rights.

The latest fatalities to be confirmed are those of two Guatemalan men who passed away in Texas. These deaths bring the total number of reported incidents in 2026 to 23, surpassing the 22 recorded deaths in all of 2025.

Anita Thakur, the deputy high commissioner for human rights, emphasized the need for immediate answers. She stated that the UN is urging US authorities to provide details on the conditions of detention, medical care provided, and the overall treatment of migrants under their supervision.

Thakur expressed deep concern over what she described as a pattern of mistreatment and insufficient safeguards within the immigration detention system.

These allegations have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations operating within the United States. Many activists and legal experts argue that the current policies contribute to unsafe and inhumane detention conditions.

The Trump administration faced additional scrutiny recently when it announced plans to remove migrants who arrived via boat from the southern border, even if they had established ties to local communities. The policy marks a tightening of immigration enforcement measures.

While the White House has not yet issued an official response regarding the UN’s call for transparency, advocates continue to pressure federal agencies for comprehensive data on custody-related deaths.