By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The El Paso County medical examiner has ruled the death of 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, an immigrant detainee at the Camp East Montana ICE facility, a homicide. The autopsy revealed the cause of death was asphyxia due to neck and torso compression. ICE initially reported Campos experienced “medical distress” and a DHS spokesperson later claimed he attempted suicide and resisted security staff. Campos had a history of bipolar disorder and anxiety and had been in segregation prior to his death. This death is one of three at the facility, which has approximately 3,000 detainees.
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ICE detainees death ruled a homicide by medical examiner, and the events surrounding this tragic incident are deeply concerning. The initial reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) painted a picture of a suicide attempt thwarted, but the medical examiner’s findings tell a different story. The official statement from DHS described a struggle, the detainee, Geraldo Lunas Campos, violently resisting and attempting to take his own life. Medical staff intervened, but unfortunately, he was declared dead at the scene.
The cause of death, as determined by the medical examiner, was asphyxia due to neck and torso compression. This is a stark contrast to the initial narrative, which, at first glance, might imply a suicide. The medical evidence points towards something far more sinister, and the language used in the initial report seems deliberately chosen to mislead. This is more than a tragic event; it suggests a failure of duty of care, and possibly something far more egregious.
The medical examiner’s report details further evidence, including superficial abrasions and hemorrhaging around the neck and eyelids. The fact that the medical examiner stated that Campos “was witnessed to become unresponsive while being physically restrained by law enforcement” paints a clear picture. It suggests he was strangled. The evidence points to a situation where the restraint used by law enforcement, rather than preventing suicide, may have directly caused his death.
Given the details, it’s difficult not to draw parallels to other instances of excessive force. The claim that he “violently resisted” is common in these situations. It’s a phrase used to justify actions that would otherwise be deemed unacceptable. While it’s true that Campos had a criminal history, which includes weapons and drug charges, this in no way justifies what appears to be a killing. His past doesn’t negate his right to life.
The concept of “resisting arrest” is brought to light, and raises concerns about the potential for abuse. The argument that struggling against someone who is harming you shouldn’t constitute a crime has a degree of sense to it. If someone is being choked or pepper-sprayed, their natural instinct is to fight back. Labeling that as “resisting arrest” seems counterproductive. It’s important to remember that this isn’t about defending someone’s past actions, but about questioning the excessive force employed by those in authority.
Looking at the broader implications, there’s a strong argument to be made for systemic changes in law enforcement and within ICE. The call for nationalized self-insurance for police forces is one suggestion. This would remove the burden of paying out settlements from taxpayers, hopefully encouraging better practices. Body cam footage as a prerequisite for any case is also brought up; this would increase transparency and reduce the reliance on potentially biased accounts from law enforcement.
The lack of video evidence in such cases is concerning, because the absence of conclusive video footage has repeatedly led to the dismissal of facts by those who wish to obscure the truth. Without independent evidence, it’s not wrong to be suspicious of the statements released by DHS, especially when they appear to contradict the medical findings. The initial framing of the death, emphasizing a suicide attempt, seems designed to minimize the accountability of those involved.
If ICE is unable to prevent a suicide without killing the individual, there’s a serious problem with the procedures and the training provided. Retraining all officers at that facility and firing the supervisors seems the very least that should be done. However, based on the documented history of similar cases, it’s unlikely.
The fact that Campos had a criminal record, including weapon and drug-related offenses, doesn’t change the fundamental issue. No matter what his past was, his death demands a thorough investigation. The cause of death, coupled with the initial account of the events, suggests that excessive force was used and, at a minimum, warrants serious scrutiny. This is about justice for Campos, regardless of his past actions. It’s also about preventing similar tragedies from happening again.
The details of the case, along with the medical examiner’s findings, make it difficult to ignore the possibility of a cover-up. The official statements released, the selective use of language, and the lack of transparency all point towards an attempt to deflect responsibility. The fact that there have been other deaths in ICE custody adds to the sense that this is not an isolated incident, but a pattern of behavior. There’s a pattern of alleged abuse.
The broader political context also comes to the foreground here, particularly considering the strong opinions on immigration and law enforcement. But despite political leanings, this case calls for a fair and thorough investigation. Regardless of personal opinions on the deceased, a full and transparent investigation into this death is paramount.