Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Cuban Detainee Death Ruled Homicide in Texas
A 55-year-old Cuban man named Geraldo Lunas Campos died on January 3, 2026, while being held by immigration officials in Texas.
The medical examiner said his death was a homicide because he couldn't breathe properly after a struggle with security guards.
The guards were trying to help him after he tried to hurt himself.
Witnesses saw the guards choking him, and he said, 'I can't breathe.'
This happened at a place called Camp East Montana.
Last year, 30 people died while in the custody of immigration officials, and in the first 10 days of this year, four people have died.
The incident is still being investigated, and the family is suing for wrongful death.
The El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner ruled the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban detainee, as a homicide.
Campos died on January 3, 2026, at Camp East Montana in Texas after experiencing medical distress.
The cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to neck and torso compression during a struggle with security staff.
ICE stated that Campos attempted to take his own life, and security staff intervened, leading to a struggle where he lost consciousness.
At least 30 people died in ICE custody in 2025, with four deaths reported in the first 10 days of 2026.
- Who
- Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban detainee
- What
- Death ruled as homicide due to asphyxia from neck and torso compression
- When
- January 3, 2026
- Where
- Camp East Montana, Texas
- Why
- During an intervention by security staff after Campos attempted to take his own life
Family and Witnesses
Department of Homeland Security
Cause of Death
Family and Witnesses
Guards choked the detainee, causing asphyxia.
Department of Homeland Security
The detainee died after resisting staff intervention during a suicide attempt.
- Victim's Name
- Geraldo Lunas Campos
- Age
- 55
- Date of Death
- January 3, 2026
- Location of Death
- Camp East Montana, Texas
- Cause of Death
- Asphyxia due to neck and torso compression
- Number of ICE Custody Deaths in 2025
- 30
- Number of ICE Custody Deaths in 2026 (as of January 10)
- 4
- Witness Account
- Guards choked the detainee, who repeatedly said, 'I can't breathe.'
