3rd death in ICE custody reported at Camp East Montana
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A Nicaraguan man died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody last week at the Camp East Montana detention facility, marking the third death reported at the site.
Victor Manuel Diaz, 36, was pronounced dead on the afternoon of January 14 at the Fort Bliss-area facility.
According to the report, contract security staff found him unresponsive in his room.
On-site medical staff and responding El Paso EMS performed life-saving measures but were unsuccessful.
ICE stated the death is a presumed suicide, though the official cause remains under investigation.
According to agency records, Diaz had been arrested by ICE in Minneapolis on January 6 and transferred to Camp East Montana pending his removal, following an earlier in absentia deportation order.
Second death this month
This incident follows the January 3 death of another detainee, 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, at the same facility.
A report by The Washington Post, citing a conversation with the medical examiner's office, indicated Campos' death may be ruled a homicide, pending toxicology results.
A DHS spokesperson stated Campos died after a violent struggle with staff during a suicide intervention.
Official calls for the facility's closure
The deaths have prompted renewed calls from Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) to shut down the center.
"This is the 3rd person who has died in the $1.24 billion privately-run facility," Escobar stated in a social media post. "Two deaths in one month means conditions are worsening. Camp East Montana must be shut down immediately."
ICE, in its release, stated it is committed to safe and humane detention.
Both deaths remain under investigation.
Meanwhile, the third death comes as reports emerge that visitation to ICE detention centers may be suspended.
El Paso Matters reports that after the death of Diaz, visitors trying to see detainees transferred from Minnesota have been turned away in recent days.
In a statement emailed to KFOX14/CBS4 about the report, the Department of Homeland Security said in part, "All detainees are provided ample opportunity to communicate with their attorneys and family members. Every detainee receives due process. Get a grip."
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