Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, tragically died earlier this month in a Texas immigration detention facility following an encounter with security personnel. The El Paso County Medical Examiner's early report indicates that his death may be categorized as a homicide, due to asphyxia resulting from compression of the chest and neck. This preliminary conclusion starkly contrasts with the narrative presented by the federal government, which claims Campos was attempting suicide and that staff tried to intervene.
Eyewitnesses, including a fellow detainee, recount a disturbing scene in which Campos was handcuffed, tackled, and placed in a chokehold by guards, ultimately losing consciousness. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability surrounding the treatment conditions within immigration detention facilities, especially as the government ramps up its efforts to detain immigrants nationwide.
The death of Lunas Campos, who was a registered sex offender but a father of four, raises serious concerns about the protocols and oversight in these facilities. According to reports, he had been housed at the Camp Montana East — a vast tent facility constructed hastily on Fort Bliss grounds. This facility has been criticized for having no real operating experience in handling detainees, as a private contractor is primarily responsible for its management.
After his death, Campos was reported as having become disruptive while awaiting medication, leading to his being placed in segregation. The authorities’ explanation has evolved in response to inquiries, with the Department of Homeland Security stating he ‘violently resisted’ staff, with the result being that he stopped breathing during the confrontation.
Detainees have expressed fear of reporting mistreatment, with many claiming that the guards had a history of excessive force. Instances of choking during restraint have been linked to numerous deaths across law enforcement jurisdictions historically.
For the grieving family of Lunas Campos, the fight for justice has escalated following what they consider a violation of his rights while in custody. His mother of two of his children demands transparency about the specifics of his death and the chance to lay him to rest properly, complicating what should be a difficult time for the family. The community and legal advocates are calling for an in-depth investigation into the events surrounding Campos' death to ensure justice is served.
Eyewitnesses, including a fellow detainee, recount a disturbing scene in which Campos was handcuffed, tackled, and placed in a chokehold by guards, ultimately losing consciousness. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability surrounding the treatment conditions within immigration detention facilities, especially as the government ramps up its efforts to detain immigrants nationwide.
The death of Lunas Campos, who was a registered sex offender but a father of four, raises serious concerns about the protocols and oversight in these facilities. According to reports, he had been housed at the Camp Montana East — a vast tent facility constructed hastily on Fort Bliss grounds. This facility has been criticized for having no real operating experience in handling detainees, as a private contractor is primarily responsible for its management.
After his death, Campos was reported as having become disruptive while awaiting medication, leading to his being placed in segregation. The authorities’ explanation has evolved in response to inquiries, with the Department of Homeland Security stating he ‘violently resisted’ staff, with the result being that he stopped breathing during the confrontation.
Detainees have expressed fear of reporting mistreatment, with many claiming that the guards had a history of excessive force. Instances of choking during restraint have been linked to numerous deaths across law enforcement jurisdictions historically.
For the grieving family of Lunas Campos, the fight for justice has escalated following what they consider a violation of his rights while in custody. His mother of two of his children demands transparency about the specifics of his death and the chance to lay him to rest properly, complicating what should be a difficult time for the family. The community and legal advocates are calling for an in-depth investigation into the events surrounding Campos' death to ensure justice is served.
