The death of a 55-year-old detainee at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Texas has been potentially ruled a homicide. Geraldo Lunas Campos passed away on January 3 at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas.
Details of the Incident
Lunas Campos had been in custody after being arrested during an enforcement operation in Rochester, New York, on July 14. Originally from Cuba, he had resided in Rochester for several years.
Criminal History
- Lunas Campos had multiple convictions from 1998 to 2009.
- His offenses included:
- Sexual contact with a child under 11
- Unlawful possession of a weapon during a robbery
- Criminal possession of a weapon
Medical Examiner’s Findings
According to a report from the Washington Post, an employee at the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s office indicated that the cause of death would likely be listed as “asphyxia due to neck and chest compression.” This claim was communicated to Lunas Campos’s daughter, who recorded the conversation for reference.
Witness Accounts
Another detainee, Santos Jesus Flores, reported witnessing several guards forcing Lunas Campos to enter a segregation unit while he was allegedly in medical distress. Flores claimed he saw guards choking Lunas Campos, who reportedly said “No puedo respirar,” meaning “I can’t breathe.”
ICE’s Response
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security characterized the incident differently. They stated that Lunas Campos “attempted to take his own life” while in detention and asserted that security staff intervened. According to the spokesperson, Lunas Campos resisted and subsequently stopped breathing.
Current Statistics
This incident marks one of four detainee deaths in ICE custody within the current year, as reported by The Hill. ICE officials maintain their commitment to providing safe and humane conditions for detainees, ensuring comprehensive medical care throughout their stay.
Law Enforcement Activities in Upstate New York
ICE has been active in Upstate New York, conducting multiple enforcement operations. Notable actions include:
- In March 2025, over 100 individuals were arrested.
- In September 2025, a raid on a nutrition-bar factory in Cato led to the detention of more than 100 workers, with 57 individuals taken into custody.
