Autopsy Reveals Homicide of Cuban Immigrant at Texas ICE Facility
A recent autopsy report has classified the death of a Cuban immigrant at a Texas ICE facility as a homicide. Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55, died on January 3, 2026, during an altercation with guards while in solitary confinement.
Details of the Incident
Initially, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claimed that Lunas Campos had attempted suicide. However, a witness contradicted this account, stating that he was restrained by at least five guards, with one applying pressure to his neck, rendering him unconscious.
- Date of Incident: January 3, 2026
- Location: ICE Detention Facility, El Paso, Texas
- Victim: Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55 years old
Findings from the Autopsy Report
The El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Lunas Campos’s death resulted from asphyxia due to neck and torso compression. The autopsy revealed noticeable signs of struggle, including:
- Abrasions on the chest and knees
- Hemorrhages on the neck
- Petechial hemorrhages, indicating intense strain
The report concluded that Lunas Campos became unresponsive while being physically restrained by law enforcement officers, contradicting ICE’s initial narrative.
High Rates of Death in Custody
Last year, at least 30 individuals died while in ICE custody, marking the highest number in two decades. In the first ten days of 2026 alone, four immigrants, including Lunas Campos, died while detained by federal authorities.
Calls for Accountability
Rep. Veronica Escobar has urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to preserve evidence related to these deaths. She has also called for Congress to be briefed about the situation and for the closure of Camp East Montana, where Lunas Campos died. The facility is a large tent detention center located at Fort Bliss, near El Paso.
Controversy Surrounding ICE’s Actions
The circumstances surrounding Lunas Campos’s death have raised questions regarding the allegations of use of force by ICE personnel. Initially, ICE reported that Lunas Campos had become disruptive before experiencing a medical emergency. However, the autopsy findings contradicted this description.
Background of Geraldo Lunas Campos
Lunas Campos was a legal immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 1996. He lived in New York for over two decades before being arrested by ICE in July 2025. His past criminal record included convictions for sexual contact with a minor and attempting to sell controlled substances.
Conclusion
The ruling of homicide in Lunas Campos’s case has spurred public outcry and demands for reform within ICE facilities. As investigations continue, the implications of these findings may lead to increased scrutiny of detention practices and policies.
