Autopsy Rules Death of ICE Detainee a Homicide

Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55, died at an El Paso ICE facility in January 2026 after being physically restrained by staff.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:47am

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The autopsy report for Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant detainee who died on January 3, 2026 at the Camp East Montana ICE facility in El Paso, found that the cause of death was asphyxia due to neck and torso compression, ruling the manner of death as a homicide. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Lunas Campos had attempted to take his own life and that security staff had intervened, leading to a struggle where Lunas Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the treatment of immigrant detainees in ICE custody and the use of force by facility staff, especially given Lunas Campos' history of mental health issues. The ruling of homicide also prompts questions about accountability and potential criminal charges related to his death.

The details

According to the autopsy report, Lunas Campos had scattered superficial abrasions on his body, hemorrhage in muscles and connective tissues on the neck, and signs of smaller hemorrhaging on the eyelids and skin of the neck. The medical examiner stated that Lunas Campos 'was witnessed to become unresponsive while being physically restrained by law enforcement.' Lunas Campos had been in the Camp East Montana ICE facility since September 2025 and had a history of bipolar disorder and anxiety.

  • Lunas Campos died on January 3, 2026.
  • The autopsy report was obtained by NBC News on January 30, 2026.

The players

Geraldo Lunas Campos

A 55-year-old Cuban immigrant detainee who died at the Camp East Montana ICE facility in El Paso.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is investigating Lunas Campos' death.

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What they’re saying

“Based on the investigative and examination findings, it is my opinion that the cause of death is asphyxia due to neck and torso compression. The manner of death is homicide.”

— El Paso County Medical Examiner

“Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life. During the ensuing struggle, Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness. Medical staff was immediately called and responded. After repeated attempts to resuscitate him, EMTs declared him deceased on the scene.”

— Department of Homeland Security Spokesperson

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security stated that the investigation into Lunas Campos' death is still active.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrant detainees in ICE custody and the need for greater transparency and accountability around deaths that occur in these facilities.