Man's Death in ICE Custody Likely To Be Ruled a Homicide, Recording Says

"In the recording, which the daughter shared with The Washington Post, the employee said a doctor there is listing the preliminary cause of death as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression, which means Lunas Campos did not get enough oxygen because of pressure on his neck and chest. Pending the results of a toxicology report, the staffer said on the recording, our doctor is believing that we're going to be listing the manner of death as homicide."

"According to an internal ICE document viewed by the Post, Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, died after a struggle with staff at the detention facility. In its statement, ICE said Lunas Campos had several convictions that included unlawful possession of a weapon during a robbery, sexual contact with a child under 11, driving while intoxicated, and sale of a controlled substance."

Geraldo Lunas Campos died on Jan. 3 while detained at Camp East Montana near the Mexican border. ICE said staff observed him in distress after he became disruptive while in line for medication; medical staff responded, initiated lifesaving measures, and requested emergency medical services, and EMS pronounced him dead. ICE did not provide a cause of death. An employee at the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner told Lunas Campos's daughter that the coroner is likely to rule the death a homicide, listing a preliminary cause as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression. An internal ICE document states he died after a struggle with staff. ICE noted prior convictions and a 2005 removal order that was not executed.

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