Report: ICE to end reporting deaths of released detainees

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is looking to eliminate reporting deaths of detainees that occur within 30 days of their release, The Washington Post reported based on an internal memo. 

"ICE is returning to the standard practice of reporting deaths that occur while an individual is in agency custody," acting director David Venturella wrote in the memo.

During Joe Biden’s presidency, a 30-day requirement was adopted to hold ICE accountable for released detainees ith serious medical conditions.

The acting chief of staff at the time, Deborah Fleischaker, said the policy changed to "make clear that ICE should not release people simply to avoid deaths in custody".

The report comes amid increasing pressure against the agency to improve treatment and medical care in its facilities after 18 detainees deaths were reported in the first five months of 2026.