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Mexican teen Royer Pérez dies in Florida ICE detention; family disputes suicide ruling

Mar 20, 2026·Location: Moore Haven, FL

Country of origin: Mexico

Mexican teen Royer Pérez dies in Florida ICE detention; family disputes suicide ruling
Photo via NPR

Royer Pérez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old indigenous Tzotzil Mayan from San Juan Chamula, Chiapas, Mexico, died on March 16, 2026, at Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, Florida, while in ICE custody. He had immigrated to the United States at age 15 to join an uncle but was left on his own after the uncle was deported. He worked continuously in a restaurant but earned minimal wages. On January 21, 2026, he was arrested during a traffic stop after giving a false name and was convicted of misdemeanors on February 19. He was transferred to ICE custody on February 21 and moved to the Moore Haven facility on February 26. On March 16 at approximately 2:34 a.m., he was found unresponsive in his dormitory; despite CPR efforts by detention staff and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at 2:51 a.m. ICE stated the death was a presumed suicide, though the official cause remained under investigation. His father Manuel Pérez rejected the suicide conclusion and called for a thorough investigation. His death was one of at least 13 to 14 acknowledged deaths in ICE detention occurring between January and late March 2026.

Timeline

Mar 16, 2026—Found unresponsive in dormitory at approximately 2:34 a.m.; pronounced dead at 2:51 a.m. despite CPR efforts
Feb 26, 2026—Moved to Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, Florida
Feb 21, 2026—Transferred to ICE custody
Feb 19, 2026—Convicted of misdemeanors
Jan 21, 2026—Royer Pérez arrested during traffic stop after giving a false name
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