Trending Now - Mexican President Condemns Death of Citizen in U.S. Custody

WHO:

Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico

Royer Perez Jimenez, 19-year-old Mexican national

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Donald Trump, President of the United States

WHAT:

Three Mexican nationals died in U.S. custody in 2026.

Royer Perez Jimenez was found unresponsive at Glades County Detention Center on March 16, 2026.

The cause of death for Perez Jimenez is "presumed suicide" but remains under investigation.

At least 30 migrants died in U.S. detention centers in 2025, the highest number since 2004.

There have been at least 12 deaths in U.S. detention centers in 2026 so far.

Perez Jimenez is at least the 49th person to die in detention since Trump returned to office in January 2025.

Heber Sanchez Domínguez, 34, died in ICE custody in January 2026.

A 48-year-old Mexican man died in ICE custody in March 2026.

WHERE:

Glades County Detention Center, Moore Haven, Florida

Georgia (location of Heber Sanchez Domínguez's death)

WHEN:

March 16, 2026, at 2:34 a.m. local time, Royer Perez Jimenez was found dead.

January 2026, Heber Sanchez Domínguez died in custody.

January 22, 2026, Royer Perez Jimenez was arrested.

January 2025, Trump began his second term.

WHY:

President Sheinbaum condemned the deaths, stating, "This can't be happening."

The Mexican government stated that "these deaths are becoming unacceptable."

HOW:

Royer Perez Jimenez was arrested for allegedly "crossing traffic lanes without using a crosswalk" and for giving multiple fake names.

ICE reported that Perez Jimenez had been evaluated by medical staff during intake and did not report any behavioral health concerns.

(UPDATED March 20, 2026 19:18 UTC)

In a tragic development, three Mexican nationals have died in U.S. custody this year, with Royer Perez Jimenez found unresponsive at the Glades County Detention Center on March 16, where his death is presumed to be a suicide but remains under investigation. President Trump, who resumed office in January 2025, has seen at least 49 deaths in detention since his return, including the recent fatalities of Heber Sanchez Domínguez in January and another Mexican man earlier this month. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned these incidents, stating that "this can't be happening," as the Mexican government calls for accountability regarding what they describe as "unacceptable" deaths in U.S. detention facilities.