The Trump administration is on pace to have one of the worst years for deaths in immigrant detention in decades, with at least 12 deaths in ICE custody since Trump took office. Recent deaths include a Cuban man and a Canadian citizen, and at least 15 people have reportedly died in detention this fiscal year. Critics accuse the administration of worsening conditions in overburdened detention centers as the White House pushes to deport millions of migrants. Furthermore, the Trump administration’s spending package could direct an unprecedented $168 billion towards immigration and border law enforcement over the next five years.
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Two smugglers involved in the 2022 Texas tractor-trailer tragedy, the deadliest human smuggling attempt in U.S. history, were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Felipe Orduna-Torres, the alleged leader, received two life sentences plus 20 years, while Armando Gonzales-Ortega, his assistant, was sentenced to 87.5 years. The men were convicted for their roles in a human smuggling conspiracy that led to the deaths of 53 migrants. The 64 migrants had been trapped inside a trailer with broken air conditioning, and were left for hours until the truck was opened in San Antonio.
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Two Afghan nationals, Shah Salim Sajjadi and Safiollah Mohammadi, were jailed for eight months after pleading guilty to facilitating illegal immigration to the UK. Their boat, carrying over 70 people, departed from near Calais, where French police discovered a deceased woman and child on board before allowing the vessel to continue its journey. Despite this tragedy, the smugglers reached UK waters and were subsequently arrested by the National Crime Agency. The incident highlights the perilous nature of Channel crossings and the disregard for human life shown by people-smuggling gangs.
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Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian woman, died on April 25th after over 10 weeks in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Her death, following alleged inhumane conditions at multiple detention facilities, is under investigation, and at least six other deaths have occurred in ICE custody this fiscal year. Advocates like the Haitian Bridge Alliance contend her death was preventable and demand accountability. Blaise was initially detained in Puerto Rico before being transferred to facilities in Florida and Louisiana, where detainees reported overcrowded cells, lack of medical care, and other concerning conditions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker