The UN rights chief is slamming US treatment of migrants as deaths in ICE custody rise
In one press release on Friday, High Commissioner Volker Türk named individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants are being surveilled, arrested and detained – sometimes violently – in locations ranging from hospitals and places of worship to courthouses, schools, markets and private homes.
The UN rights chief said he “dismayed by the now routine mistreatment and belittling of migrants and refugees.”
He warned that the fear generated by such federal operations is rippling through communities, with children missing school and medical appointments for fear their parents may not return.
“Those who dare to speak out or peacefully protest against heavy-handed immigration raids are vilified and threatened by officials, and sometimes subjected to indiscriminate violence themselves.said Mr. Turk.
He said that numerous migration policies now being implemented by US authorities are resulting in arbitrary and unlawful arrests and detentionsas well as flawed removal decisions. He expressed concern that enforcement actions often lacked sufficient individualized assessments.
A fair trial
U.S. immigration enforcement is primarily conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal agency responsible for identifying, arresting, detaining, and removing noncitizens deemed to be in violation of immigration law.
Mr Türk emphasized that while national governments have the power to establish and enforce migration policies, these powers must be exercised in full accordance with the law. Failure to respect due process, he said, risks undermining public trust, weakening institutional legitimacy and violating the rights of individuals.
He also deplored Washington’s use of large-scale enforcement operations, expressing concern that force sometimes appears unnecessary or disproportionate.
On January 7, 2026, a woman was fatally shot in Minnesota’s largest city, Minneapolis, during an operation involving federal officers.
“Under international law, the intentional use of lethal force is permitted only as a last resort against a person who poses an immediate threat to life.said Mr. Turk.
Families torn apart
The UN rights chief highlighted the human harm these practices entail, especially for families.
Mr Türk cited cases where parents were detained or transferred between facilities without adequate information about their whereabouts or access to legal advice, making it difficult to maintain family contact or take legal action.
“I call on the government to put an end to practices that tear families apart,” the High Commissioner said. He also called for independent and transparent investigations into a reported increase in deaths in ICE custody.
At least 30 deaths were reported last year, and six more this year.
‘Xenophobic hostility’
Mr Türk also expressed deep concern about what he described as “dehumanizing narratives” used by some government officials to portray migrants and refugees.
“I call on leaders at all levels in the US to end the use of scapegoating tactics that aim to distract and sow division.and that increase the exposure of migrants and refugees to xenophobic hostility and abuse,” he said.
He also recognized the efforts of a wide range of government officials, community groups and civil society representatives in the US who are working to uphold dignity, fairness and responsibility in the treatment of migrants and their communities.
Net benefits of migration
He emphasized that US history has been “profoundly shaped” by the contributions that migrants from all parts of the world have made and continue to make.
“The collective demonization of migrants and refugees as criminals, threats or burdens on society – based on their origins, nationality or migration status – is inhumane, wrong and goes against the fabric and foundations of the nation,he warned.
