Federal officials in the United States have confirmed a second death this month at a sprawling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Texas, raising serious questions about conditions and procedures.
A Second Tragedy at Fort Bliss
Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old man from Nicaragua, was found dead last week at the Camp Montana East tent complex, located on the U.S. Army's Fort Bliss base in El Paso. In a statement, ICE indicated that Diaz appears to have taken his own life on Wednesday. The federal investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding his death remains ongoing.
Authorities detailed that Diaz was initially apprehended during a federal immigration operation in Minnesota on 6 January. After being transferred to Texas, he was issued a final order for removal on 12 January. He was discovered unconscious in his room just two days later, on 14 January.
A Troubling Pattern Emerges
This incident marks the second in-custody death at the same facility in a matter of weeks. Earlier this month, 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos died at Camp Montana East. ICE initially reported that staff were attempting to prevent Lunas Campos from harming himself when he died.
However, a preliminary investigation by the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office has cast doubt on that account. Their findings concluded Lunas Campos died from asphyxia due to compression of his chest and neck, and indicated the death would likely be classified as a homicide. A fellow detainee told The Associated Press that Lunas Campos was handcuffed and that at least five officers restrained him on the floor, with at least one guard placing an arm around his neck.
Background and Official Response
According to ICE records, Diaz entered the United States in March 2024 and was taken into custody by Border Patrol. He was later released on parole pending a court appearance. An immigration judge ordered his removal from the U.S. during an August hearing that Diaz did not attend, leading to his subsequent detention and the final removal order.
ICE has stated it follows standard protocol following any death in custody, which includes notifying Congress and publishing a statement on its official website. The agency has not released further details on Diaz's death while its investigation continues. The separate investigation into the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos is also still active.
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.
