Full Breakdown
Death of Cuban Immigrant in ICE Custody Raises Concerns
1/22/2026, 1:53:24 AM
Incident Overview
Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, died on January 3 while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Camp East Montana, a detention facility located on the Fort Bliss military base near El Paso, Texas. His family alleges that guards choked him to death during a struggle, while ICE initially reported that he died after "experiencing medical distress." A subsequent statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suggested that Lunas Campos may have committed suicide during a struggle with security staff.
Divergent Accounts of Death
Witnesses to the incident, including fellow detainees Santos Jesus Flores and Antonio Ascon Frometa, have provided conflicting accounts. Flores reportedly heard Lunas Campos say, “I cannot breathe” while struggling with guards. The family is concerned that deportation notices issued to these witnesses could hinder their ability to gather testimony for a forthcoming wrongful-death lawsuit against the federal government. The family claims that an employee of the El Paso medical examiner's office indicated that the preliminary cause of death would be ruled as homicide due to asphyxia from neck and chest compression.
Context of Camp East Montana
Camp East Montana is the largest immigration detention center in the United States, currently housing approximately 2,700 detainees. The facility has faced scrutiny for its conditions, with three detainee deaths reported since its opening in August 2022. Human rights organizations and local representatives have criticized the treatment and safety of individuals in ICE custody. In response, DHS has denied claims of inhumane conditions, asserting that the safety and well-being of detainees are top priorities.
Official Statements & Responses
The family of Geraldo Lunas Campos, particularly his partner Jeanette Pagan Lopez, is seeking justice and accountability for his death. Lopez expressed her frustration over the conditions at the facility, stating, “I need some kind of justice. I know I can’t bring him back.” Meanwhile, Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) has called for the closure of Camp East Montana, citing the recent deaths as evidence of worsening conditions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the circumstances surrounding Lunas Campos's death. While ICE maintains that he died during a struggle, family members assert that he was choked by guards. Additionally, the medical examiner's office has not yet released an official cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing. The situation is further complicated by the recent death of another detainee, Victor Manuel Diaz, at the same facility, which has prompted renewed scrutiny of ICE's practices.
What's Next
The family of Geraldo Lunas Campos is preparing to file a wrongful-death lawsuit, and they have requested that the deportation of key witnesses be halted to ensure their testimony can be included. The investigations into both Lunas Campos's and Diaz's deaths are ongoing, with calls for accountability and reform in ICE detention practices continuing to grow.
