EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A federal judge in El Paso has agreed to delay the deportation of six migrants from the U.S. to allow them to provide depositions regarding the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos.

Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban man, died on Jan. 3 while detained at Camp East Montana. Initially, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported that Campos suffered an undisclosed medical emergency, later saying he attempted to take his own life.

However, the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office recently ruled his death a homicide, citing asphyxia due to neck and torso compression.

Jordan Salas reports on Federal judge delays deportation to secure witness testimony in Campos death case (Credit: KFOX14/CBS4)

RECOMMENDED: Medical examiner rules migrant’s death at Camp East Montana a homicide

Christopher Benoit, the Campos family attorney, emphasized the family’s pursuit of accountability and understanding of the events leading to Campos’ death.

“The family is shooting to make sure that there is accountability for whatever happened. But more importantly, they just want to know what happened,” Benoit said.

Court documents reveal that witnesses claimed guards choked Campos while restraining him.

One detainee reportedly heard Campos say, “I cannot breathe,” before he became unresponsive. Another witness described seeing Campos struggle with guards before his death.

Benoit stressed the importance of independent witness testimony, stating, “The testimony of independent witnesses who do not work for the facility and do not work for the government is critical to making sure that we have a clear picture of what happened.”

RECOMMENDED: 3rd death in ICE custody reported at Camp East Montana

The family’s attorneys expressed concern that some witnesses might be deported before they could testify, prompting their request for judicial intervention.

Benoit explained, “That is what we were able to come to an agreement with… keeping them from being removed from the country and allowing us the quick opportunity to take their testimony and make sure to preserve that for any future trial.”

The family’s attorneys say these depositions could be used in a future wrongful death lawsuit.

Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.