Autopsy Rules Cuban Immigrant’s Death in Texas ICE Custody a Homicide
A recent autopsy report has ruled the death of a Cuban immigrant in ICE custody a homicide. Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old father of four, died on January 3 after an altercation with guards at Camp East Montana in Texas. The facility is located on an Army base at Fort Bliss.
Details of the Incident
According to the autopsy findings, Lunas Campos was restrained by multiple guards and became unresponsive. Witnesses reported that he was handcuffed while being held down. One guard allegedly applied pressure to his neck, leading to his unconsciousness.
Injury Findings
The autopsy conducted by the El Paso County Medical Examiner revealed significant injuries. Findings included:
- Abrasions on his chest and knees.
- Hemorrhages on his neck.
- Petechial hemorrhages in the eyelids and skin of the neck, indicating strangulation.
Dr. Adam Gonzalez, the deputy medical examiner, concluded that asphyxia caused Lunas Campos’ death due to neck and torso compression.
Initial Reactions by ICE
Initially, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claimed that Lunas Campos was attempting suicide and that staff acted to assist him. ICE’s statement did not mention any altercation with guards until a week later.
Contradictory Accounts
After the autopsy report, ICE spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated the deceased was a “criminal illegal alien” with a history of serious criminal convictions, including a sexual offense and drug-related crimes. This statement seems to aim at framing the narrative around Lunas Campos’ immigration status and background.
Other Deaths at Camp East Montana
Lunas Campos was not the only detainee who died at Camp East Montana during a brief period. On December 3, Francisco Gaspar-Andres, a Guatemalan immigrant, died after being hospitalized for suspected organ failure. Additionally, Victor Manuel Diaz, a Nicaraguan immigrant, died on January 14 under circumstances classified as a presumed suicide.
Facility Concerns and Investigations
The deaths at Camp East Montana have raised alarm. Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar has called for investigations and demanded evidence preservation, urging closure of the facility. Escobar described the camp as a “giant tent city” inadequate for humane detention, housing around 1,500 individuals.
Operational Oversight
Camp East Montana is operated by Acquisition Logistics, which received a $1.24 billion contract for its construction and operation. It opened in August 2022. The lack of previous experience managing a detention facility has drawn scrutiny about operational standards and detainee safety.
The ongoing fallout from these incidents continues to call into question ICE’s practices and accountability measures, especially concerning the treatment of individuals in detention.
