Published Tuesday, July 21, 2026: 'Death and I.C.E.' Pictures by 4 time Pulitzer Prize winning ZUMA Press photo-journalist Carol Guzy: The mortality rate of deaths in ICE custody is at its highest level in over a decade, based on verified media tracking, advocacy reports, and government disclosures. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was officially created in March 2003. The agency's records list during its first full calendar year of operations, 32 individuals died. 2025 had another 32 deaths which tied it with the first year for the most fatalities. 2026 is on track to be one of the deadliest years in the history of ICE. As of July 21, 2026 there are 22 recorded fatalities. The most recent death of a person in ICE custody occurred on July 13, 2026. Jesus Manuel Arenas-Silva, was a 45-year-old Venezuelan national. The overall toll has been exacerbated by deadly confrontations and shootings involving ICE agents in public spaces during enforcement operations. Welcome to 'Death and I.C.E.'
© zReportage.com Issue #1047 Story of the Week: Published Tuesday, July 21, 2026: 'Death and I.C.E.' Pictures by 4 time Pulitzer Prize winning ZUMA Press photo-journalist Carol Guzy: The mortality rate of deaths in ICE custody is at its highest level in over a decade, based on verified media tracking, advocacy reports, and government disclosures. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE was officially created in March 2003. The agency's records list during its first full calendar year of operations, 32 individuals died. 2025 had another 32 deaths which tied it with the first year for the most fatalities. 2026 is on track to be one of the deadliest years in the history of ICE. As of July 21, 2026 there are 22 recorded fatalities. The most recent death of a person in ICE custody occurred on July 13, 2026. Jesus Manuel Arenas-Silva, was a 45-year-old Venezuelan national. The overall toll has been exacerbated by deadly confrontations and shootings involving ICE agents in public spaces during enforcement operations. Welcome to 'Death and I.C.E.'
A demonstrator blows bubbles and sits in an inflatable pool with 'summer melts ice' written on it outside Delaney Hall detention center. Stand offs begin as ICE agents march out in full battle gear. The number of protesters dwindled with the headlines since turbulent weeks of the hunger strike, but are no less passionate, exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Loudly. But non-violently. A brutal scuffle ensued, and a protester was face down in the gutter handcuffed. Pepper balls and bear spray are frequently deployed on unarmed demonstrators bearing upside down American flags and inflatable pool floaties.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Stand offs begin as ICE agents march out in full battle gear. The number of protesters dwindled with the headlines since turbulent weeks of the hunger strike, but are no less passionate, exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Loudly. But non-violently. A brutal scuffle ensued, and a protester was face down in the gutter handcuffed. Pepper balls and bear spray are frequently deployed on unarmed demonstrators bearing upside down American flags and inflatable pool floaties.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Stand offs begin as ICE agents march out in full battle gear. The number of protesters dwindled with the headlines since turbulent weeks of the hunger strike, but are no less passionate, exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Loudly. But non-violently. A brutal scuffle ensued, and a protester was face down in the gutter handcuffed. Pepper balls and bear spray are frequently deployed on unarmed demonstrators bearing upside down American flags and inflatable pool floaties.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. A family came bearing images of their Papa on matching T-shirts. 'I want my Daddy to stay with me,' said the little girl. He is from Guatemala and has been in detention 5 weeks. Martin Soto's wife Gaby hopes to reach 10,000 signatures on a petition for his release. She is pregnant. 10-year-old Nayeli exclaimed, 'It was very fun seeing my dad. Made me feel happy, excited, sad at the same time.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. A family came bearing images of their Papa on matching T-shirts. 'I want my Daddy to stay with me,' said the little girl. He is from Guatemala and has been in detention 5 weeks. Martin Soto's wife Gaby hopes to reach 10,000 signatures on a petition for his release. She is pregnant. 10-year-old Nayeli exclaimed, 'It was very fun seeing my dad. Made me feel happy, excited, sad at the same time.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. A family came bearing images of their Papa on matching T-shirts. 'I want my Daddy to stay with me,' said the little girl. He is from Guatemala and has been in detention 5 weeks. Martin Soto's wife Gaby hopes to reach 10,000 signatures on a petition for his release. She is pregnant.10-year-old Nayeli exclaimed, 'It was very fun seeing my dad. Made me feel happy, excited, sad at the same time.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. Then the next visitations end abruptly. Loved ones left in tears. Stand offs begin as ICE agents march out in full battle gear. The number of protesters dwindled with the headlines since turbulent weeks of the hunger strike, but are no less passionate, exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Loudly. But non-violently. A brutal scuffle ensued, and a protester was face down in the gutter handcuffed. Pepper balls and bear spray are frequently deployed on unarmed demonstrators bearing upside down American flags.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark NJ on June 21, 2026. A family came bearing images of their Papa on matching T-shirts. 'I want my Daddy to stay with me,' said the little girl. He is from Guatemala and has been in detention 5 weeks...Martin Soto's wife Gaby hopes to reach 10,000 signatures on a petition for his release. She is pregnant.. 10-year-old Nayeli exclaimed, 'It was very fun seeing my dad. Made me feel happy, excited, sad at the same time.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. A family came bearing images of their Papa on matching T-shirts. 'I want my Daddy to stay with me,' said the little girl. He is from Guatemala and has been in detention 5 weeks. Martin Soto's wife Gaby hopes to reach 10,000 signatures on a petition for his release. She is pregnant. 10-year-old Nayeli exclaimed, 'It was very fun seeing my dad. Made me feel happy, excited, sad at the same time.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. A family came bearing images of their Papa on matching T-shirts. 'I want my Daddy to stay with me,' said the little girl. He is from Guatemala and has been in detention 5 weeks. Martin Soto's wife Gaby hopes to reach 10,000 signatures on a petition for his release. She is pregnant.10-year-old Nayeli exclaimed, 'It was very fun seeing my dad. Made me feel happy, excited, sad at the same time.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. A family came bearing images of their Papa on matching T-shirts. 'I want my Daddy to stay with me,' said the little girl. He is from Guatemala and has been in detention 5 weeks. Martin Soto's wife Gaby hopes to reach 10,000 signatures on a petition for his release. She is pregnant. 10-year-old Nayeli exclaimed, 'It was very fun seeing my dad. Made me feel happy, excited, sad at the same time.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. Then the next visitations end abruptly. Loved ones left in tears. Stand offs begin as ICE agents march out in full battle gear. The number of protesters dwindled with the headlines since turbulent weeks of the hunger strike, but are no less passionate, exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Loudly. But non-violently. A brutal scuffle ensued, and a protester was face down in the gutter handcuffed. Pepper balls and bear spray are frequently deployed on unarmed demonstrators bearing upside down American flags.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Stand offs begin as ICE agents march out in full battle gear. The number of protesters dwindled with the headlines since turbulent weeks of the hunger strike, but are no less passionate, exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Loudly. But non-violently. A brutal scuffle ensued, and a protester was face down in the gutter handcuffed. Pepper balls and bear spray are frequently deployed on unarmed demonstrators bearing upside down American flags.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. Then the next visitations end abruptly. Loved ones left in tears. Stand offs begin as ICE agents march out in full battle gear. The number of protesters dwindled with the headlines since turbulent weeks of the hunger strike, but are no less passionate, exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Loudly. But non-violently. A brutal scuffle ensued, and a protester was face down in the gutter handcuffed. Pepper balls and bear spray are frequently deployed on unarmed demonstrators bearing upside down American flags.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Children came to visit asylum seekers in detention at ICE facility Delaney Hall for a brief respite of reunion on Fathers Day in Newark. Then the next visitations end abruptly. Loved ones left in tears. Stand offs begin as ICE agents march out in full battle gear. The number of protesters dwindled with the headlines since turbulent weeks of the hunger strike, but are no less passionate, exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Loudly. But non-violently. A brutal scuffle ensued, and a protester was face down in the gutter handcuffed. Pepper balls and bear spray are frequently deployed on unarmed demonstrators bearing upside down American flags.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A demonstrator waves an upside down US flag as protests continue at ICE facility Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark NJ during America's July 4th weekend. The upside down flag symbolizes distress on this nation's Independence Day Bicentennial.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Protests continue at ICE facility Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark NJ during America's July 4th weekend. The flag has come to symbolize different things on this nation's Independence Day Bicentennial.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A demonstrator waves an upside down US lag as protests continue at ICE facility Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark NJ during America's July 4th weekend. The upside down flag symbolizes distress on this nation's Independence Day Bicentennial.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
Demonstrators hug while holding an upside down US Stars and Stripes as protests continue at ICE facility Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark NJ during America's July 4th weekend. The upside down flag symbolizes distress on this nation's Independence Day Bicentennial.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
A protestor wearing military style fatigues, a gas mark and helmet. ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
ICE unleashed a large amount of bear mace and pepper balls on a small group of activists and press even though the agents were not escorting vehicles at this entrance as protests continue at Delaney Hall where asylum seekers are held in detention in Newark. Effects of the chemical irritants often last for days. ICE left the facility this night and has not returned as of this date. The next day ICE shot and killed Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero in Maine who was not the intended target of immigration enforcement which was the second fatal shooting at traffic stops in a week.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
My soul is broken. 'He was everything to me' wept MARTHA KAROLINA ROJAS Alvarez, the partner of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero who was shot and killed by ICE agents as she spoke at a press conference in Biddeford Maine. Martha and their 3-year-old daughter witnessed his life drain away on the street where they lived. He was from Colombia, had a social security number and work authorization work in the US and was not their intended immigration enforcement target. It was the second fatal shooting by ICE in a week.. The dream he held closest was becoming a dad,' she said. From the moment he held her in his arms and held her tiny hand, he never let go of her. That Monday afternoon was supposed to be her day with Papa But he never came home. And now my daughter asks for Papa, and I don't have the strength to tell her that Pap‚a isn't coming, that she can't hug him anymore or tell him, 'Papi, I love you' Every night she asks for him. She always slept next to him, and now she can't. All I have left are the photos, and a blanket with the three of us on it that he gave her a few weeks before. You will always be the love of my life, until my heart stops beating. Watch over me. Help me carry all of this. Help me care for and protect our daughter, she said.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
My soul is broken. 'He was everything to me' wept MARTHA KAROLINA ROJAS Alvarez, the partner of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero who was shot and killed by ICE agents as she spoke at a press conference in Biddeford Maine. Martha and their 3-year-old daughter witnessed his life drain away on the street where they lived. He was from Colombia, had a social security number and work authorization work in the US and was not their intended immigration enforcement target. It was the second fatal shooting by ICE in a week. The dream he held closest was becoming a dad,' she said. From the moment he held her in his arms and held her tiny hand, he never let go of her. That Monday afternoon was supposed to be her day with Papa But he never came home. And now my daughter asks for Papa, and I don't have the strength to tell her that Pap‚a isn't coming, that she can't hug him anymore or tell him, 'Papi, I love you' Every night she asks for him. She always slept next to him, and now she can't. All I have left are the photos, and a blanket with the three of us on it that he gave her a few weeks before. You will always be the love of my life, until my heart stops beating. Watch over me. Help me carry all of this. Help me care for and protect our daughter, she said.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
My soul is broken. 'He was everything to me' wept MARTHA KAROLINA ROJAS Alvarez, the partner of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero who was shot and killed by ICE agents as she spoke at a press conference in Biddeford Maine. Martha and their 3-year-old daughter witnessed his life drain away on the street where they lived. He was from Colombia, had a social security number and work authorization work in the US and was not their intended immigration enforcement target. It was the second fatal shooting by ICE in a week. The dream he held closest was becoming a dad,' she said. From the moment he held her in his arms and held her tiny hand, he never let go of her. That Monday afternoon was supposed to be her day with Papa But he never came home. And now my daughter asks for Papa, and I don't have the strength to tell her that Pap‚a isn't coming, that she can't hug him anymore or tell him, 'Papi, I love you' Every night she asks for him. She always slept next to him, and now she can't. All I have left are the photos, and a blanket with the three of us on it that he gave her a few weeks before. You will always be the love of my life, until my heart stops beating. Watch over me. Help me carry all of this. Help me care for and protect our daughter, she said.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
My soul is broken. 'He was everything to me' wept MARTHA KAROLINA ROJAS Alvarez, the partner of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero who was shot and killed by ICE agents as she spoke at a press conference in Biddeford Maine. Martha and their 3-year-old daughter witnessed his life drain away on the street where they lived. He was from Colombia, had a social security number and work authorization work in the US and was not their intended immigration enforcement target. It was the second fatal shooting by ICE in a week.. The dream he held closest was becoming a dad,' she said. From the moment he held her in his arms and held her tiny hand, he never let go of her. That Monday afternoon was supposed to be her day with Papa But he never came home. And now my daughter asks for Papa, and I don't have the strength to tell her that Pap‚a isn't coming, that she can't hug him anymore or tell him, 'Papi, I love you' Every night she asks for him. She always slept next to him, and now she can't. All I have left are the photos, and a blanket with the three of us on it that he gave her a few weeks before. You will always be the love of my life, until my heart stops beating. Watch over me. Help me carry all of this. Help me care for and protect our daughter, she said.
© Carol Guzy/ZUMA Press Wire
