A Texas medical examiner has ruled the death of a Cuban immigrant in ICE detention in El Paso as a homicide. The autopsy revealed asphyxia due to neck and torso compression for Geraldo Lunas Campos, contradicting ICE's account of a suicide attempt. Authorities are attempting to deport two witnesses to the incident.
In a troubling development, a Texas medical examiner has concluded that Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant and father of four, died by homicide while in ICE custody in El Paso. The autopsy determined the cause as 'asphyxia due to neck and torso compression.' This directly contradicts ICE's claim that Campos died during a rescue attempt following a suicide effort.
A witness told the Associated Press that Campos was handcuffed, tackled by guards, and placed in a chokehold until he lost consciousness. The Washington Post reported that the Department of Homeland Security is now seeking to deport two men who witnessed the death, raising fears of a cover-up.
Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal responded on social media: 'This looks a lot like a cover-up. We need an independent investigation NOW.' Campos is one of three immigrants who have died in the past two months at Camp East Montana, an ICE detention tent camp at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The case underscores growing concerns about conditions in detention facilities and the handling of in-custody death investigations.
