NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)November 2, 2026Hillsborough County
Immigrant Advocates Hold Day of the Dead Vigil in Miramar to Honor Deaths in ICE Custody
Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)
Immigrant rights advocates gathered in Miramar for a Day of the Dead vigil to honor individuals who have died in federal immigration custody since January 2025. Organizers highlighted reports of dozens of deaths under ICE and Customs and Border Protection, pointing to concerns over detention conditions and medical care.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
The event highlights an ongoing dispute between activist groups and federal authorities over the safety, medical oversight, and death toll inside immigration detention facilities operating under expanded deportation enforcement.
Key Facts
- Immigrant rights advocates held a Day of the Dead vigil in Miramar to honor individuals who died in federal immigration custody.
- Advocates reported that at least 56 people have died in ICE custody since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025.
- The Associated Press tracking data cites at least 58 deaths in federal custody since January 2025.
- Advocates stated that agents with ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have killed 11 people in shootings.
- At least nine individuals have died in ICE custody in Florida since January 2025.
- Activist groups cited independent medical evaluations indicating that 95% of detention deaths were preventable with appropriate care.
- Advocates reported severe overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and medical neglect across state detention facilities.
- ICE stated in a website post that detained alien health care is one of its highest priorities and called any in-custody death a significant cause for concern.
- The vigil was organized by the Circle of Protection at Miramar, the American Friends Service Committee, Detention Watch Network, The Worker's Circle, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, and the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationThe Worker's Circle“Organization that helped organize the vigil.”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News organization tracking deaths of ICE detainees.”locationFlorida“State where at least nine individuals have died in ICE custody.”PersonDonald Trump“President who took office in January 2025 and launched a deportation plan.”OrganizationUnitarian Universalist Service Committee“Organization that helped organize the vigil.”OrganizationCircle of Protection at Miramar“Organization that helped organize the vigil.”OrganizationDetention Watch Network“Organization that helped organize the vigil.”OrganizationAmerican Friends Service Committee“Organization that organized Monday's vigil.”PersonValeria Maldonado“Youth Organizer for Seeds Of Resistance.”OrganizationSeeds Of Resistance“Community organization involved in immigrant rights.”OrganizationFlorida Immigrant Coalition“Organization that helped organize the vigil.”locationMiramar“Location where the Day of the Dead vigil was held.”PersonGuadalupe De La Cruz“Program Director for the American Friends Service Committee Florida Program.”