ICE custody Death: Medical Examiner Rules Geraldo Lunas Campos Homicide

The el Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office has steadfast that Geraldo Lunas Campos, a Cuban immigrant, died by homicide while in the custody of U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This finding directly contradicts ICE’s initial assertion that his death was a result of suicide.

According to reports, 55-year-old Lunas Campos, a father of four, was found dead at the Camp East Montana facility, a large tent complex located on the grounds of Fort Bliss, an Army base. ICE initially stated that Lunas Campos had been attempting suicide and that staff intervened to try and save him.

However, an eyewitness account reported to the Associated Press paints a drastically different picture. The witness claims that Lunas Campos was handcuffed and restrained by at least five guards before one guard allegedly applied pressure to his neck, rendering him unconscious.

This incident marks at least the third reported death at Camp East Montana in just over a month, raising serious concerns about conditions and practices at the facility. The medical examiner’s ruling is highly likely to intensify scrutiny of ICE’s handling of detainees and the circumstances surrounding Lunas Campos’ death.

Further investigation is ongoing.