By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The death of Cuban migrant Geraldo Lunas Campos at the ICE detention center in El Paso is being investigated as a possible homicide. An El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office employee informed Lunas Campos’ daughter that the preliminary cause of death was asphyxia due to neck and chest compression. The final determination awaits the toxicology report, while the FBI is likely investigating as homicides at federal facilities are typically under their jurisdiction. Lunas Campos, 55, was reportedly in segregation after a “disruptive” incident and died on January 3rd after struggling with guards.
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Report: Cuban immigrant’s death at Camp East Montana likely ‘homicide’
The news is grim: the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a Cuban immigrant, at the Camp East Montana ICE detention center is likely a homicide. This conclusion comes from the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office, adding a chilling layer to the story of his passing. The initial release from ICE on January 9th stated his cause of death was under investigation, which seemed standard. However, the details that have emerged paint a far more disturbing picture.
Lunas Campos’ daughter received an audio recording from an employee of the Medical Examiner’s Office. This employee shared that the preliminary cause of death, according to the doctor, was asphyxia due to neck and chest compression. This specific cause is a critical point that points directly to an act of violence. The employee added that the manner of death was expected to be listed as homicide. It’s a stark declaration, especially considering this happened within the walls of a federal detention facility. The FBI, which typically investigates homicides on federal property, has been contacted.
The circumstances surrounding Lunas Campos’ death only serve to further amplify the tragedy. The Washington Post’s reporting details that he was reportedly involved in a struggle with five guards. This occurred when he was being placed in segregation after a “disruptive” incident while in line for medication. He was 55 years old and had been detained at the facility for nearly four months. Prior to the fatal incident, he had reportedly told guards in Spanish that he couldn’t breathe.
The fact that this occurred at Camp East Montana, where he was the second immigrant to die since it opened in August 2025, is deeply concerning. The context of his death raises questions about conditions within these facilities and how detainees are treated. Considering the broader context, this is particularly troubling. Since January 1st, at least four immigrants have died in immigration detention. These figures are chilling, and the lack of transparency is alarming.
The details are especially painful when you consider the life he left behind, and the desperation that brought him to seek refuge in the United States. He escaped Cuba to avoid persecution, only to find himself in an environment where his life was tragically cut short. The irony of seeking freedom and finding death is heartbreaking, underscoring the severity of this case and raising broader questions about the U.S. immigration system.
This situation fuels questions about accountability and oversight. The fact that the FBI is involved, as is typical in cases of homicide on federal property, shows that the authorities are beginning to recognize the gravity of the situation. However, the legal and financial incentives at play within the system itself raise doubts. The potential for financial gains tied to detention numbers can create a perverse system where holding people in custody is more profitable than ensuring their well-being. This, coupled with the claim of complete immunity for those working at these facilities, raises valid questions about justice.
This goes far beyond just one death. The conditions at these detention centers, the treatment of detainees, and the overall system of immigration enforcement are under scrutiny. The case of Lunas Campos reveals a system with the potential for abuse. The call for more transparency regarding the direct and indirect costs surrounding ICE operations is warranted. The focus on profits and the potential for a culture of impunity create a dangerous environment, as seen in the examples.
The allegations of forced labor and the financial burdens placed on detainees further darken the picture. Detainees are forced to work for minimal compensation, essentially forced to perform labor to afford basic necessities. This is compounded by the lack of clear guidelines regarding their rights and legal recourse. This situation contributes to the idea that some may view ICE as textbook terrorists, given their tactics and objectives.
The situation is a testament to the fact that the fight for human rights continues, and that vigilance is necessary to prevent these injustices from going unnoticed. The case of Geraldo Lunas Campos should serve as a wake-up call, demanding thorough investigation, accountability, and systemic reform within the immigration system.