Nicaraguan Detainee Found Dead in Texas Immigration Facility
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded at a Texas immigration detention center where a Nicaraguan man was discovered deceased last week, according to federal officials.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that Victor Manuel Diaz was found dead last Wednesday at a tent complex within the U.S. Army’s Fort Bill base in El Paso. Preliminary findings suggest suicide, although an official federal investigation is ongoing.
This facility has recently been under scrutiny, as it is the same location where another detainee’s death occurred earlier in the month. ICE reported that the individual died while staff members attempted to prevent a suicide. Contrarily, an eyewitness detainee recounted that at least five officers were involved in restraining the handcuffed inmate, with one officer allegedly applying pressure to the detainee’s neck.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.
Diaz’s apprehension took place on January 6 during a federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota, and he was subsequently transferred to Texas, ICE stated. Entering the U.S. in March 2024, Diaz was initially detained by Border Patrol and released on parole pending further legal proceedings. However, he missed a court date in August resulting in a judge ordering his removal from the country.
Authorities revealed that Diaz received a final removal order on January 12, two days prior to being found unconscious in his cell.
ICE has yet to disclose further details regarding Diaz’s demise. The agency follows a protocol of informing Congress and updating its website concerning all deaths in custody.
Diaz, aged 36, was detained at Camp Montana East, the same site where another detainee, Geraldo Lunas Campos, lost his life amid attempts by staff to prevent his suicide. The El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office’s preliminary findings indicate that Lunas Campos, 55, succumbed to asphyxia due to chest and neck compression, with a potential homicide classification.
A detainee who witnessed the incident reported Lunas Campos was handcuffed and resisted re-entry into his cell when at least five guards forced him to the ground. The eyewitness stated one of the guards applied force around Lunas Campos’ neck.
ICE continues to probe into this second death at the facility.
