Deaths of Immigrants in ICE Custody Raise Concerns Over Treatment and Accountability

The death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, has been ruled a homicide following an autopsy conducted by the El Paso County Medical Examiner. Lunas Campos died on January 3, 2026, at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Camp East Montana facility located at Fort Bliss. The autopsy report indicated that the cause of death was asphyxia due to neck and torso compression, suggesting that he was physically restrained in a manner that obstructed his breathing. Initially, ICE reported that Lunas Campos experienced "medical distress," later stating he attempted suicide while being restrained by security staff. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that he resisted staff intervention, leading to the fatal incident.

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Lunas Campos had been detained at Camp East Montana since September 6, 2025, and had a history of criminal convictions, including first-degree sexual abuse involving a child. He was placed in segregation after becoming disruptive while waiting for medication. The facility, which houses nearly 3,000 detainees, has faced criticism for its treatment of immigrants and has recorded multiple deaths since its opening.

ICE detainee's death ruled a homicide by medical examiner

Witnesses, including other detainees, reported seeing Lunas Campos being tackled and placed in a chokehold by guards. These accounts have raised questions about the treatment of detainees and the circumstances surrounding his death. In response to the ruling, a preliminary injunction has been issued to prevent the deportation of six witnesses until they can provide depositions regarding the incident. The family of Lunas Campos is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and associated contractors.

US agrees not to deport witnesses in migrant's 'homicide' at ICE facility

In a separate but related incident, Wael Tarabishi, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen with Advanced Pompe Disease, died on January 23, 2026, shortly after his father, Maher Tarabishi, was detained by ICE. Maher had been Wael's primary caregiver, and his absence reportedly contributed to Wael's deteriorating health. The family has publicly blamed ICE for the stress caused by Maher's detention, asserting that it led to Wael's death. Maher Tarabishi's request to attend his son's funeral was denied by ICE, further compounding the family's grief.

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DHS has stated that it takes the health and safety of detainees seriously and is conducting an ongoing investigation into Lunas Campos' death. The agency emphasized that there has been no increase in detainee deaths at the facility. Meanwhile, the Tarabishi family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and legal expenses, raising concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the impact of detention on families.

US agrees not to deport witnesses in migrant's 'homicide' at ICE facility

Critics, including immigrant rights advocates, have condemned the conditions at Camp East Montana and the broader implications of ICE's enforcement policies. The deaths of Lunas Campos and Wael Tarabishi highlight systemic issues within the immigration detention system, prompting calls for accountability and reform.

ICE detainee's death ruled a homicide by medical examiner

The legal proceedings surrounding Lunas Campos' death are ongoing, with the family seeking justice and accountability. The testimonies of witnesses will be crucial in determining the next steps in both the wrongful death lawsuit and any potential criminal charges related to the incident. The broader implications of these cases may influence future immigration policies and enforcement practices.

US agrees not to deport witnesses in migrant's 'homicide' at ICE facility