Autopsy Reveals Cuban Immigrant’s Homicide in ICE Custody: NPR
A tragic incident involving a Cuban immigrant in U.S. immigration detention has recently drawn attention following an autopsy ruling the death a homicide. Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old father of four, died on January 3, 2023, at Camp East Montana located on Fort Bliss, Texas. Reports indicate that guards restrained him during a struggle, leading to him losing consciousness.
Details Surrounding the Incident
The incident began when Lunas Campos reportedly attempted suicide. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claimed that their staff responded to his distress. However, witnesses described a scene where multiple guards physically restrained him, one allegedly applying pressure around his neck until he was no longer breathing.
Autopsy Findings
The autopsy conducted by the El Paso County Medical Examiner identified asphyxia as the cause of death, attributing it to neck and torso compression. Notably, Lunas Campos’ body exhibited signs of struggle, including:
- Abrasions on the chest and knees
- Hemorrhages on the neck
- Presence of petechial hemorrhages in the eyelids
Dr. Victor Weedn, a forensic pathologist, corroborated that the injuries were consistent with physical restraint and supported the conclusion of asphyxia being the cause of death.
Shifting Narratives
The government narrative around Lunas Campos’ death has changed over time. Initially, ICE did not mention an altercation, stating he was disruptive and had been moved to a segregation cell. They later reported he had attempted suicide, with claims that guards intervened to assist him during the struggle. After the autopsy findings were made public, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin labeled Lunas Campos a “criminal illegal alien and convicted child sex predator,” referencing his prior convictions.
Background of Geraldo Lunas Campos
Lunas Campos was admitted to the U.S. in 1996, as part of a wave of Cuban immigrants. His criminal history included:
- Conviction for sexual contact with a child in 2003
- Conviction for attempting to sell controlled substances in 2009
ICE detained him in July 2022, stating it was part of a planned immigration enforcement operation targeting criminals.
Concerns Over Camp East Montana
The ongoing fatalities at Camp East Montana have raised significant concerns about its management and operational integrity. With a $1.2 billion contract awarded to a private firm, questions remain regarding the qualifications of the staff involved in Lunas Campos’ death. The facility is expected to become the largest detention center in the U.S., yet it has faced criticism for its operations.
Additional Deaths Under Investigation
Alongside Lunas Campos, two other immigrant deaths at the same facility have been reported within a short timeframe. Francisco Gaspar-Andres, a 48-year-old Guatemalan, died due to suspected liver and kidney failure, while Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan, died from a presumed suicide. Investigations into these deaths are ongoing, prompting calls for accountability and potential changes to detention practices.
Calls for Action
The recent events have led to calls for the facility’s closure. Rep. Veronica Escobar has urged Department of Homeland Security officials to address these incidents in Congress, raising concerns about evidence preservation and treatment of witnesses. The pressure continues for a transparent investigation into these tragic deaths in ICE custody.
