WASHINGTON D.C. – An official autopsy report has determined that Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant who died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at a Texas detention facility, succumbed to homicide due to asphyxia. The finding directly challenges the agency’s initial assertions regarding the events leading to his death on January 3rd.
The El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that Lunas Campos experienced asphyxia resulting from neck and torso compression. The report cited evidence of a physical struggle, including abrasions and hemorrhages, noting that witnesses observed the detainee become unresponsive while being physically restrained by law enforcement personnel. Forensic analysis indicated the presence of petechial hemorrhages, often correlated with fatal mechanical asphyxia.
Lunas Campos was detained at Camp East Montana, a tent facility situated on Fort Bliss Army grounds, which is slated to become the largest detention center in the United States. ICE’s initial statement suggested Lunas Campos was attempting suicide, and that staff initiated life-saving measures. A subsequent amendment from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the detainee “violently resisted” staff during an attempted self-harm incident.
The forensic pathologist who reviewed the report noted that the neck injuries were consistent with significant external pressure, such as a hand or knee application, while the autopsy made no mention of self-inflicted injury consistent with a suicide attempt. The deceased also had a documented history of bipolar disorder and anxiety.
The ruling arrives amid a concerning string of fatalities at the relatively new facility. Lunas Campos’ death is one of at least three reported at Camp East Montana in just over a month. The facility’s contract, awarded to Acquisition Logistics LLC—a firm with no prior corrections experience—has already drawn political scrutiny regarding operational standards and oversight.
DHS has since emphasized Lunas Campos's criminal history, including past convictions, while confirming an internal investigation. However, questions remain regarding external accountability, particularly given the facility's location on federal military land, which may limit state and local investigative jurisdiction. Congressional representatives have called for immediate briefings and the preservation of all evidence, including witness testimony, to ensure a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the homicide.
Source: Based on reports from the Associated Press and official autopsy release.