EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Victor Manuel Diaz, 36, was pronounced dead on the afternoon of January 14 at the Fort Bliss-area facility.<\/p>\n
According to the report, contract security staff found him unresponsive in his room. <\/p>\n
On-site medical staff and responding El Paso EMS performed life-saving measures but were unsuccessful.<\/p>\n
ICE stated the death is a presumed suicide, though the official cause remains under investigation. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Second death this month<\/p>\n
This incident follows the January 3 death of another detainee, 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, at the same facility. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A DHS spokesperson stated Campos died after a violent struggle with staff during a suicide intervention.<\/p>\n
Official calls for the facility’s closure<\/p>\n
The deaths have prompted renewed calls from Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) to shut down the center. <\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
ICE, in its release, stated it is committed to safe and humane detention. <\/p>\n
Both deaths remain under investigation.<\/p>\n
OFFICIAL ICE STATEMENT<\/a><\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Report: Migrant’s death at Fort Bliss detention center likely ruled homicide<\/a><\/p>\n