EL PASO, Texas — A tragic incident occurred at the Camp East Montana detention facility last week. A 36-year-old Nicaraguan man, Victor Manuel Diaz, was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. This marks the third death at this facility.
Diaz had been in ICE custody since January 6, following an earlier deportation order. Medical staff and local emergency services attempted to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. ICE is currently investigating the cause, which they are treating as a presumed suicide.
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. Just days before, on January 3, another detainee, 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, died at the same facility. Reports suggest that Campos’s death may be linked to a struggle during an incident meant to prevent a suicide. The circumstances surrounding both deaths have raised alarm and concern.
These events have sparked strong reactions from lawmakers. Representative Veronica Escobar, a Texas Democrat, has called for the immediate closure of the facility. She pointed out that with two deaths occurring in one month, the situation is alarming and conditions must be addressed.
The deaths emphasize a serious issue within the detention system, raising questions about the care provided to detainees. A recent report highlighted that in 2021, nearly 100 detainees died while in custody. Advocates for immigration reform are pushing for changes to ensure that such tragedies do not continue.
ICE has stated that they are committed to ensuring safe conditions in their facilities, but many are calling for deeper scrutiny and reform. Both deaths are under investigation, and the community is closely watching how these cases unfold.
For more details on official statements and ongoing investigations, you can read the latest news here.
