The case surrounding the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, raises serious concerns about the treatment of detainees in ICE custody. He died on January 3 while being held at Camp East Montana, located at the Fort Bliss military base in Texas, which is the largest immigration detention center in the United States.
Potential Homicide Classification
El Paso County’s Office of the Medical Examiner indicated that Lunas Campos’s death is likely to be classified as a homicide. An official from the medical examiner’s office communicated this information to his daughter. The preliminary cause of death is expected to be asphyxia due to neck and chest compression.
Circumstances of Death
According to eyewitness accounts and internal ICE documents, Lunas Campos died during a struggle with detention staff. He was reportedly placed in a separate housing unit due to “disruptive” behavior while waiting for medication. As events unfolded, staff noticed he was in distress, which prompted the call for emergency personnel.
Eyewitness Testimonies
- Santos Jesus Flores, another detainee, claimed he saw at least five guards wrestling with Lunas Campos.
- Flores reported that Campos repeatedly stated, “No puedo respirar,” meaning “I can’t breathe,” before going silent.
Reactions and Investigations
Jeanette Pagan Lopez, mother of Lunas Campos’s two children, stated that she has been contacted by the FBI, which is investigating the case. She strongly believes that the actions of the detention staff were responsible for her partner’s death.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided a contrasting account. They claimed that Lunas Campos attempted to take his own life and resisted security staff during their intervention. However, they acknowledged that medical personnel were summoned but could not revive him.
Statistics on Deaths in Custody
Lunas Campos’s death is particularly alarming amid rising tensions surrounding ICE operations. Since the beginning of the year, at least four people have died in ICE custody. In 2022, over 30 individuals died while detained, marking the highest number in two decades. Activists have raised concerns about the safety and treatment of detainees, highlighting the systemic issues within ICE.
Conclusion
The ongoing investigation into Geraldo Lunas Campos’s death opens up crucial discussions regarding the conditions in immigration detention centers. Advocacy groups continue to emphasize the need for accountability and reform in ICE practices, calling for safer environments for all detainees.
