German man, 85, dies in U.S. immigration custody

An 85-year-old German national has died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas. The man had been held in a clinic in Harlingen since November, where he was treated for conditions including dementia, high blood pressure, cognitive impairments, and stomach ulcers. ICE reported that a doctor pronounced him dead on June 24.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. According to ICE, the man attempted to enter the U.S. at the Laredo port of entry in late August 2025 but was denied entry due to a lack of valid documents. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiated proceedings and referred the case to a U.S. Department of Justice court. He was transferred to ICE custody the following day and placed in a nursing home a month later.

The German Consulate General, along with various U.S. authorities and the man's relatives, has been notified of his death. ICE has faced significant criticism in recent months for its handling of alleged undocumented migrants, particularly following a campaign under former President Donald Trump to deport millions without legal status. Protests have erupted in the U.S. over the agency's actions, especially after incidents involving fatalities.