Second ICE Detainee Dies by Apparent Suicide in Missouri Amid Rising Concerns Over Conditions
A second man has died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Missouri in recent months, raising fresh questions about detainee welfare and escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. Leo Cruz-Silva, a 34-year-old originally from Mexico, was found unresponsive in his cell on October 4th at the Ste. Genevieve Detention Center, and pronounced dead after staff and paramedics attempted resuscitation.
Growing Crisis in ICE Detention
The death of Cruz-Silva, who was arrested September 30th by Festus police for public intoxication and subsequently transferred to ICE custody on October 1st, marks at least the 15th detainee death nationwide in 2025, according to data released by the federal agency. This follows the April death of Brayan Garzón-Rayo, a 27-year-old Colombian man found unresponsive in a Phelps County Jail cell, also believed to be a suicide. Records indicated that, in Garzón-Rayo’s case, ICE had not adhered to its own medical protocols prior to his attempt on his life.
Both Cruz-Silva and Garzón-Rayo lacked legal status in the United States and had previously been deported – Cruz-Silva in 2010 and 2020. The circumstances surrounding Cruz-Silva’s death are currently under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office, which operates the detention center, has not yet issued a public statement.
Community Response and Vigil Planned
Local advocacy groups are expressing deep concern and grief. “I’m very disappointed that we weren’t able to assist him,” stated a board member with Abide in Love-Ste. Genevieve, a volunteer organization that supports ICE detainees. The group assists detainees in contacting family and obtaining essential items, but often faces delays in identifying individuals held in the jail. “We have to do a lot of work to identify who was in our jail as an ICE detainee, and sometimes that takes a couple days,” the board member explained. “It’s just a tragedy for our community.”
Abide in Love-Ste. Genevieve is organizing a vigil for Cruz-Silva at 7 p.m. on Sunday in front of the Ste. Genevieve County Detention Center.
Increased ICE Presence and Political Fallout
The rising number of ICE detainees in Ste. Genevieve is linked to the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement policies. According to estimates, the number of detainees at the facility has increased from approximately 60 in July to over 100 as of Wednesday. This heightened enforcement has sparked controversy, with the president recently calling for the imprisonment of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for allegedly failing to cooperate with ICE. Governor Pritzker responded defiantly, stating, “Come and get me.”
In Missouri, Republican Governor Mike Kehoe activated the state’s National Guard late last month to provide administrative support to ICE agents through September 2026. However, a subsequent federal government shutdown led to the suspension of funding for the mission, leaving the fifteen National Guard volunteers to continue their work without pay.
Resources for Those in Crisis
For individuals experiencing a crisis or seeking support, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat services and additional information. The escalating situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for vulnerable populations within the immigration system and a renewed focus on humane detention practices.
