German man, 85, dies while in ICE custody in the US

A German man has died while in the custody of the immigration authority ICE in the United States. 

The 85-year-old died in Harlingen, Texas, where he had been in a clinic since November, ICE announced on Thursday. 

He had been receiving treatment there for dementia, high blood pressure, cognitive impairment and stomach ulcers. A doctor confirmed his death on June 24. 

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.

According to the statement, the man had attempted to enter the US at the Laredo border crossing at the end of August 2025, but was refused entry due to a lack of valid documents. 

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency initiated proceedings and referred the case to a court under the US Department of Justice. One day later, the man was transferred to ICE custody. The agency placed him in a care home a month later.

The man's relatives have been notified of his death,the authorities said. 

The Foreign Office in Berlin confirmed on Friday that it was aware of the case and that the man had received consular assistance during his lifetime. The ministry did not disclose further details, citing privacy considerations.

Harlingen and Laredo are towns in Texas situated directly on the border with neighbouring Mexico.