A man held inside a Texas immigration detention camp died after an encounter with guards that left him unable to breathe, according to an autopsy released Wednesday that officially ruled his death a homicide.
Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant and father of four, died January 3 while being held in solitary confinement at Camp East Montana, a large tent detention facility located on the grounds of Fort Bliss. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement initially said Lunas Campos was attempting suicide and that staff intervened to save him.
That account sharply conflicts with witness testimony and medical findings.
A witness previously told The Associated Press that Lunas Campos was handcuffed as at least five guards restrained him, while one officer placed an arm around his neck and applied pressure until he lost consciousness.
The El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office reported multiple signs of physical struggle, including abrasions on his chest and knees and hemorrhaging in his neck. Deputy medical examiner Dr. Adam Gonzalez ruled the cause of death as “asphyxia due to neck and torso compression.”
The report stated witnesses observed Lunas Campos “become unresponsive while being physically restrained by law enforcement.” It also noted petechial hemorrhages in his eyes and neck, injuries commonly associated with asphyxiation.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Victor Weedn, who reviewed the report, said the findings support death by asphyxia. He added that neck injuries were consistent with pressure from a hand or knee.
The autopsy found prescription antidepressants and antihistamines in Lunas Campos’ system and documented a history of bipolar disorder and anxiety. It made no mention of suicide attempts.
ICE’s public explanations shifted over time. After the family was informed the death could be ruled a homicide, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Lunas Campos “violently resisted the security staff” and stopped breathing during the struggle.
Following the report’s release, DHS emphasized Lunas Campos’ past criminal convictions.
“ICE takes seriously the health and safety of all those detained in our custody,” the agency said, adding it is investigating the death.
Lunas Campos’ death is one of three reported at Camp East Montana in just over a month, raising new questions about conditions, oversight, and accountability at the facility.
