U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that an 85-year-old German national died while in custody. The elderly man passed away on June 24 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Harlingen, Texas. The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy.
Health Condition and Detention Process
According to ICE, the deceased had been suffering from several health problems, including dementia, high blood pressure, cognitive impairments and a stomach ulcer. He had been receiving treatment in hospital since November 2025. A doctor officially declared his death on June 24.
The German national attempted to enter the US via the Laredo border crossing in late August 2025 but was turned away because he lacked valid travel documents. Border protection officers initiated proceedings and referred the case to a Department of Justice immigration court.
Placed in a Care Facility
One day after being denied entry, the elderly man was taken into ICE custody and, about a month later, placed in a care home. ICE notified the German Consulate General, the man’s relatives and relevant US agencies of his death.
Tougher Policies Under Trump
Donald Trump’s presidency brought a marked hardening of US immigration policies. Border procedures were tightened, visa vetting was expanded and enforcement against undocumented immigrants intensified. These changes also subject European travellers to greater scrutiny.
In April, The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration undertook sweeping changes to reduce the backlog in immigration courts. According to the report, the Justice Department removed more than 100 immigration judges after Trump took office. While a comparable number of judges retired or resigned, over 140 new judges have been appointed to date.
