**Tragic Death of Teen Detainee Sparks Outrage Over ICE Custody Conditions**
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A 19-year-old Mexican national, Royer Perez-Jimenez, has tragically died in custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a detention facility in Florida. Authorities have characterised his death, which occurred on March 16, 2026, as a presumed suicide. This incident marks the 13th known death this year in ICE custody and the 42nd since Donald Trump resumed his presidency.
Perez’s demise occurred at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, Florida, a facility that previously faced closure due to serious allegations regarding abuse and hazardous living conditions. Despite being shut down under the Biden administration in 2022, the centre was reopened in April 2025 as part of Trump’s intensified focus on immigration enforcement.
This heartbreaking incident comes just days after another detainee’s death at the same facility. Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 41-year-old Afghan father of six who had assisted U.S. forces in Afghanistan, passed away less than 24 hours after his detention in Texas. Both cases underscore growing concerns about the treatment of individuals in ICE custody.
In the case of Perez, he was found unresponsive by a detention officer around 2:30 a.m., and despite immediate medical intervention from facility staff and local emergency services, attempts to revive him were futile. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing.
Royer Perez-Jimenez had been detained since January 22, having been charged with felony fraud for impersonation and a misdemeanor for resisting an officer. Records indicate that Perez was arrested after riding a scooter and allegedly crossing multiple lanes of traffic without using a designated crosswalk. Upon being pursued by police, he reportedly attempted to evade arrest, leading to his apprehension. It is worth noting that the charges against him were later reduced to misdemeanours, contrary to ICE’s earlier claims of felony involvement.
The arrest report revealed that Perez identified himself using a different name and acknowledged he was in the U.S. without documentation, having overstayed his visa. After pleading no contest to the charges, he was sentenced to 30 days in county jail, receiving credit for time served and subsequently transferred to ICE the following day.
Upon his arrival at the Glades facility on February 26, Perez underwent an evaluation by medical staff, during which he reportedly denied any mental health issues and passed all suicide screening questions. This raises significant concerns about the adequacy of mental health care and the overall conditions faced by detainees.
ICE has expressed its commitment to maintaining safe and humane environments for individuals in its custody. After Perez’s death, the agency reiterated its dedication to providing comprehensive medical care throughout a detainee’s stay. However, these reassurances seem to clash with the reality of ongoing deaths and allegations of abuse within their facilities.
The closure and subsequent reopening of the Glades County Detention Center has left many questioning the policies surrounding detainee welfare. Critics argue that a repeat of previous issues should not come as a surprise given the centre’s troubled history.
Royer Perez-Jimenez’s death has reignited debates surrounding immigration enforcement practices and custody conditions in the United States. Advocates for reform are calling for immediate changes to better protect individuals within the system, shedding light on the urgent need for a thorough review of detention practices.
In response to this tragedy, mental health resources and support are available for individuals struggling with emotional distress. If you or someone you know requires assistance, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is reachable 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
The heartbreaking loss of Royer Perez-Jimenez serves as a sobering reminder of the human costs associated with current immigration policies. As the investigation unfolds, many await answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his untimely death and what reforms, if any, will be implemented to prevent future tragedies in ICE custody.