Full Breakdown
Calls to Shut Down Camp East Montana Amid Concerns Over Detainee Conditions
2/28/2026, 12:56:22 AM
Overview of the Situation
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) has spearheaded a movement among congressional Democrats to close the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility known as Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. This initiative follows serious allegations regarding mismanagement and poor living conditions at the center, which has been the site of three deaths since December 2022, including one homicide.
Concerns Raised by Lawmakers
Escobar, along with 23 other Democratic lawmakers, expressed their concerns in a letter directed to ICE Director Todd Lyons and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. They highlighted issues such as inadequate medical care, substandard food quality, and contaminated drinking water. The lawmakers stated, “We do not believe Camp East Montana is being run professionally or responsibly,” emphasizing the need for the facility to cease operations for the safety of detainees and fiscal responsibility.
Health Issues and Allegations of Abuse
Recent reports indicate that the facility is grappling with significant health challenges, including 17 cases of measles, 13 of which are among detainees at Camp East Montana. Additionally, there have been reports of tuberculosis and COVID-19 cases within the facility. The American Civil Liberties Union has raised alarms about potential human rights abuses, particularly following the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, who reportedly died after being physically restrained by staff. Initially attributed to "medical distress," the cause of death was later revised to indicate the involvement of staff actions.
Details of Recent Deaths
The facility has seen a troubling pattern of fatalities. Following Lunas Campos's death, Victor Manuel Diaz, 35, died by suicide, a conclusion that his family contests. Unlike Lunas Campos, Diaz's autopsy was conducted by a U.S. Army hospital, and the results have not been made public. Francisco Gaspar-Andres, 48, also died after being hospitalized for over two weeks, with his family alleging that inadequate medical care at Camp East Montana contributed to his deteriorating health. His death was officially ruled as natural causes, but his family disputes this finding, citing poor treatment and conditions at the facility.
Official Responses and Next Steps
The Trump administration has previously dismissed humanitarian concerns regarding Camp East Montana. As the situation unfolds, the call for closure by lawmakers and advocacy groups continues to gain momentum, with a focus on ensuring the humane treatment of detainees and addressing the facility's operational shortcomings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We do not believe Camp East Montana is being run professionally or responsibly,” — Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-TX
- “My father told me he was suffering greatly there in that jail, from lack of food, lack of medical attention, and the conditions of the place,” — Daughter of Francisco Gaspar-Andres
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths at Camp East Montana. While official reports have classified some deaths as natural causes or suicides, family members and advocacy groups contest these findings, suggesting that inadequate care and facility conditions played a significant role in these tragedies. The lack of transparency regarding autopsy results, particularly for Victor Manuel Diaz, raises further concerns about accountability and oversight at the facility.
