Six deaths in six weeks: Scrutiny grows on ICE detention in Texas

Deadly incidents at a massive new ICE facility in El Paso raise alarms about medical care and oversight at detention centers across the state.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In the span of just six weeks between December and January, six people died while detained by ICE in Texas - three of them at the hastily constructed Camp East Montana facility in El Paso. The deaths have renewed scrutiny on conditions at the nearly two dozen ICE detention sites across the state, which saw a record number of deaths in custody last year. Experts say the expansion of ICE detention, coupled with reduced oversight and medical care, is 'destined to lead to more deaths, medical issues and trauma for detainees'.

Why it matters

Texas has become the epicenter of the country's immigration enforcement system, with the highest share of ICE detainees nationwide. The recent deaths in ICE custody highlight growing concerns about the quality of medical care, use of force, and lack of oversight at detention facilities, especially as the administration seeks to rapidly expand detention capacity across the state.

The details

The deaths include a 55-year-old Cuban man who the medical examiner ruled was suffocated while being physically restrained, as well as a 36-year-old Nicaraguan man who was found with his pants tied around his neck. ICE has faced a slew of other complaints about abuse, unsanitary conditions, and lack of access to medical care at the East Montana facility, which was hastily constructed and is now the country's largest ICE detention center. Inspectors found numerous violations there shortly after it opened, including inadequate staffing and training for contractors.

  • On December 3, a 48-year-old Guatemalan man, Francisco Gaspar-Andres, died of liver and kidney failure after being hospitalized for more than two weeks following detention.
  • On January 9, a 55-year-old Cuban man, Geraldo Lunas Campos, died after being physically restrained by staff at the East Montana facility. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide.
  • On January 20, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan man, Victor Manuel Diaz, died at the East Montana facility in what was reported as an apparent suicide attempt.

The players

Geraldo Lunas Campos

A 55-year-old Cuban man who died at the East Montana ICE detention facility after being physically restrained by staff. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide.

Victor Manuel Diaz

A 36-year-old Nicaraguan man who died at the East Montana ICE detention facility in what was reported as an apparent suicide attempt.

Francisco Gaspar-Andres

A 48-year-old Guatemalan man who died of liver and kidney failure after being hospitalized for more than two weeks following detention.

East Montana Detention Facility

A massive ICE detention center in El Paso, Texas that is currently the country's largest, holding more than 3,000 men and women. The facility has faced numerous complaints about abuse, unsanitary conditions, and lack of medical care.

Acquisition Logistics

A small Virginia corporation with no listed experience running detention facilities that was granted a $1.2 billion contract to construct the East Montana facility in a record two months.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.