Nicaraguan Man Dies at ICE’s Camp East Montana in El Paso
A Nicaraguan man died recently while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. This incident marks the third death reported at this facility, raising concerns regarding the conditions within privately-run detention centers.
Nicaraguan Man Dies at ICE’s Camp East Montana
Victor Manuel Diaz, aged 36, was pronounced dead on January 14 at the Fort Bliss-area facility. He was found unresponsive in his room by contract security staff. On-site medical personnel and the El Paso Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful.
Death Circumstances Under Investigation
ICE has indicated that Diaz’s death is presumed to be a suicide, although the official cause is still under review. Diaz had been detained by ICE in Minneapolis on January 6 before being relocated to Camp East Montana. His transfer followed a prior in absentia deportation order.
- Date of death: January 14
- Age of deceased: 36
- Initial arrest location: Minneapolis
Another Death Reported
This tragic incident is preceded by the death of another detainee, 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, who died on January 3 at the same facility. Reports suggest his death may be classified as a homicide pending toxicology results. According to a Washington Post report, Campos’s death occurred during a violent altercation with staff during a suicide intervention.
Calls for Closure of the Facility
The recent fatalities have led Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) to demand the closure of Camp East Montana. She expressed her concerns over the facility’s conditions, stating, “This is the third person who has died in the $1.24 billion privately-run facility. Two deaths in one month means conditions are worsening.”
ICE has stated its commitment to ensuring safe and humane detention. Both deaths remain subject to ongoing investigations, highlighting the urgent need for scrutiny of conditions within immigration detention facilities.
