EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
However, the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office recently ruled his death a homicide, citing asphyxia due to neck and torso compression.<\/p>\n
Jordan Salas reports on Federal judge delays deportation to secure witness testimony in Campos death case (Credit: KFOX14\/CBS4)<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Medical examiner rules migrant’s death at Camp East Montana a homicide<\/a><\/p>\n Christopher Benoit, the Campos family attorney, emphasized the family’s pursuit of accountability and understanding of the events leading to Campos’ death. <\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n Court documents reveal that witnesses claimed guards choked Campos while restraining him. <\/p>\n One detainee reportedly heard Campos say, “I cannot breathe,” before he became unresponsive. Another witness described seeing Campos struggle with guards before his death. <\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n