Miramar Vigil: 56 Deaths Cited in Federal Detention
Advocates in South Florida commemorated detainees who died in ICE custody since January 2025, a number slightly lower than federal records.
By Tariq Carter ·
Community groups in Miramar gathered on Monday for a Day of the Dead vigil to mark the deaths of individuals held in federal immigration custody. The event served as a memorial for those lost during the current administration's expanded deportation efforts.
Organizers stated that at least 56 people have died in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. The group further reported that agents from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection killed 11 people in shootings during this period.
Valeria Maldonado, a youth organizer for Seeds of Resistance, spoke to the crowd about the tradition of remembrance. She noted that their traditions teach that remembrance is an act of love and that every person deserves dignity and the chance to live freely with family.
Guadalupe De La Cruz, program director for the American Friends Service Committee Florida Program, addressed the expansion of detention facilities. In a written statement, she asserted that no one should die in ICE custody and that the lives of immigrants, children, and families are worth protecting.
ICE responded to the vigil by posting a statement on its website. The agency identified detained alien health care as one of its highest priorities. It added that any death in custody is a significant cause for concern and that the agency prioritizes the well-being of all individuals in its care.
The Associated Press, which has tracked these fatalities independently, counts at least 58 deaths since January 2025. This federal tally is slightly higher than the figure cited by the local advocacy groups at the vigil.
In Florida, advocates say at least nine individuals have died in ICE custody since the start of the year. They point to reports of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and medical neglect in state facilities. Independent medical evaluations cited by the groups indicate that 95% of these detention deaths were preventable with appropriate care.
Source: WUSF Public Media
