Autopsy Rules Cuban Immigrant's Death in ICE Custody as Homicide

An autopsy report released Wednesday concluded that Cuban immigrant Geraldo Lunas Campos died from asphyxia due to neck and torso compression while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at Camp East Montana in Texas. The El Paso County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide.

Lunas Campos, 55, died on January 3 following an altercation with guards. ICE stated that he was attempting suicide and that staff intervened to save him. However, a witness reported that Lunas Campos was handcuffed as at least five guards restrained him, with one applying pressure to his neck until he lost consciousness.

The autopsy revealed signs of a struggle, including abrasions on his chest and knees, and hemorrhages on his neck. Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Adam Gonzalez determined the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck and torso compression.

Camp East Montana, a tent facility located on the grounds of Fort Bliss, has reported at least three deaths in just over a month. The facility is operated by a private contractor with no prior experience in corrections.

ICE's initial account of Lunas Campos' death did not mention an altercation with guards. Later, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that he had attempted suicide and resisted staff efforts to assist him.

Lunas Campos had a history of mental illness and prior convictions in New York. He was detained in July 2025 during an immigration enforcement operation in Rochester, New York, and transferred to Camp East Montana in September.

The El Paso County Medical Examiner's homicide ruling could lead to legal scrutiny, but jurisdictional complexities due to the facility's location on a military base may limit accountability. Lunas Campos' family is seeking justice and the return of his body for a proper burial.