UN urges ‘accountability’ after 23 die in US immigration custody in 2026

The United Nations' rights chief, Volker Turk, has called for accountability following 23 deaths in US immigration custody in 2026. In a speech before the UN Human Rights Council, Turk criticized US immigration practices, including deportations to dangerous places and countries with which migrants had no ties. He highlighted that four more people died in US immigration custody since his last update in June, bringing the total to 23 in 2026 alone.

Turk emphasized the need for accountability for these deaths and urged the US to halt deportations to places where people face irreparable harm, such as Haiti. He also expressed alarm at ICE's plans to equip agents with electric shock gloves, warning it would increase violence associated with their operations. The UN rights chief's comments come amid criticism of ICE's forceful tactics and alleged lowering of training standards for new recruits.