ICE Admits 'Use of Force' in Immigrant Detainee's Death

Agency says Geraldo Lunas Campos died after 'spontaneous use of force' at for-profit detention center

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has acknowledged that 'use of force' was a factor in the death of immigrant detainee Geraldo Lunas Campos at the Camp East Montana for-profit detention center in El Paso, Texas. This contradicts the agency's initial claim that Lunas Campos died by suicide.

Why it matters

The revelation raises serious questions about the treatment of immigrants in private detention facilities, which have faced ongoing scrutiny over allegations of abuse and substandard conditions. The death of Lunas Campos highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the immigration detention system.

The details

According to a new document quietly posted by ICE, Lunas Campos died 'after a spontaneous use of force' to prevent him from harming himself. The agency did not provide further details on who exerted the force against Lunas Campos. A county autopsy had previously ruled his death a homicide. The Camp East Montana detention center, where the incident occurred, is the largest for-profit immigration lockup in the country and relies on private security guards.

  • Geraldo Lunas Campos died in January 2026 at the Camp East Montana detention center.
  • ICE recently acknowledged the 'use of force' in Lunas Campos' death.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, including the operation of immigrant detention centers.

Geraldo Lunas Campos

An immigrant detainee who died at the Camp East Montana detention center in El Paso, Texas.

Camp East Montana

A for-profit immigration detention center in El Paso, Texas, which is the largest of its kind in the country and relies on private security guards.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrants in private detention facilities, where allegations of abuse and substandard conditions have persisted. The death of Geraldo Lunas Campos underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the immigration detention system to ensure the safety and well-being of all detainees.