A tragic case of teen Death in ICE detention center has ignited scrutiny and renewed debate over U.S. immigration enforcement after a 19-year-old Mexican national died while in custody.

Royer Perez-Jimenez was found “unconscious and unresponsive” early Monday inside his cell at the Glades County Detention Center, according to a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Officials said the young man was discovered at approximately 2:34 a.m. on March 16, prompting immediate life-saving efforts by staff. Despite those attempts, he was pronounced dead.

Cause of Death Under Investigation

ICE stated that Perez-Jimenez’s death is believed to be a suicide, though the official cause remains under investigation. The case has drawn particular attention as he is reportedly the youngest detainee to die in ICE custody since Donald Trump returned to office and initiated a nationwide immigration crackdown.

Perez-Jimenez had been arrested in January and charged with fraud for impersonation, along with a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer. Authorities say he entered the United States at an unknown date.

According to ICE, upon intake he denied any behavioral health concerns and responded negatively to all suicide risk screening questions.

Mexico Demands Answers

The government of Mexico has called the death “unacceptable” and is demanding a full and transparent investigation.

In a statement, Mexico’s foreign ministry urged U.S. authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death, determine accountability, and implement safeguards to prevent similar incidents.

Rising Concerns Over Deaths in Custody

Advocacy groups say the case is part of a broader pattern. The Detention Watch Network reports more than 42 migrant deaths in custody since early 2025, when the current administration intensified enforcement measures.

The group also pointed to additional fatalities linked to immigration raids, including incidents in Minnesota where two U.S. citizens were shot by agents.

Sharp Contrast With Previous Administration

The rising death toll marks a stark contrast to the administration of Joe Biden, during which ICE reported 24 deaths in custody over four years.

A System Under Pressure

The death of Perez-Jimenez, like a sudden crack in an already strained system, underscores growing tensions surrounding immigration policy, detention conditions, and accountability.

As investigations continue, the case adds urgency to calls for reform—raising difficult questions about oversight, human rights, and the human cost of enforcement in an increasingly polarized climate.