UN Urges U.S. to Respect Migrant Dignity, Investigate ICE Deaths
Thousands of demonstrators protest in the United States against the repressive policy of the ICE, denouncing also the violence against those who have defended the rights of migrants. Photo: EFE.
January 24, 2026 Hour: 2:41 am
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UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urged the United States to ensure migrant dignity and due process, demanding an independent investigation into at least 36 deaths under ICE custody since last year amid alarming reports of abuse.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on the United States on January 23 to ensure migrant dignity and due process, demanding an independent investigation into at least 36 deaths under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since last year.
Türk highlighted a concerning increase in fatalities, with 30 reported last year and six more in what has transpired of this year.
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The High Commissioner condemned the dehumanizing representation and prejudicial treatment directed toward migrants and refugees, expressing alarm at the abuse and denigration that has become habitual. He also questioned the absence of concern for their dignity and shared humanity, noting that individuals are monitored and detained in various locations such as hospitals, churches, markets, schools, and even their homes, often based solely on suspicion of being undocumented migrants.
Impact on Families and Legal Rights
This atmosphere of terror carries profound consequences, causing children to miss school and medical appointments due to fear of separation from their parents. Furthermore, those who speak out or peacefully protest against these raids are vilified, threatened, and sometimes subjected to arbitrary violence by officials, Türk pointed out.
He also affirmed that numerous migratory policies implemented by U.S. authorities result in arbitrary and unlawful arrests and detentions, along with erroneous expulsion decisions, violating individuals’ rights.
In this context, Türk deplored the widespread use of control operations by immigration agents and other bodies, which have repeatedly resorted to disproportionate force. He also emphasized that arrested individuals often lack timely access to legal assistance and effective means to challenge their detention or expulsion.
Türk stressed that many arrests, detentions, and expulsions occur without considering family unity, exposing children to risks of severe and long-term harm.
Additionally, he demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the worrying rise in deaths under ICE custody. He also noted that some deportations have been carried out hastily, even to countries with which individuals have no connection, without adequately considering the risks of torture or irreparable harm, thereby violating the principle of non-refoulement.
Author: Laura V. Mor
Source: UN News
