EL PASO, Texas — In a tragic incident that underscores the growing concerns surrounding immigration detention facilities in the U.S., an immigrant from Nicaragua has been found dead at a Texas facility. Victor Manuel Diaz, 36, was discovered unconscious last Wednesday at the tent complex within Fort Bliss, which serves as an immigration detention center. Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that Diaz appears to have taken his own life, and an investigation into his death is currently ongoing.
This incident comes shortly after another detainee, 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, also died under questionable circumstances at the same location. While ICE described efforts by staff to prevent Campos from committing suicide, eyewitness accounts from fellow detainees alleged that he was physically restrained by multiple officers, leading to concerns about the use of excessive force.
Diaz had been in U.S. custody since January 6 as part of a federal immigration crackdown, and had been ordered to leave the country after a court hearing he did not attend. A few days before his death, on January 12, he received a final notice for removal from the U.S.
Mental health issues in detention centers have come under scrutiny, with advocates calling for better support systems in light of these tragic events. The national suicide hotline is available for those in need, reachable by calling or texting 988.
This incident comes shortly after another detainee, 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, also died under questionable circumstances at the same location. While ICE described efforts by staff to prevent Campos from committing suicide, eyewitness accounts from fellow detainees alleged that he was physically restrained by multiple officers, leading to concerns about the use of excessive force.
Diaz had been in U.S. custody since January 6 as part of a federal immigration crackdown, and had been ordered to leave the country after a court hearing he did not attend. A few days before his death, on January 12, he received a final notice for removal from the U.S.
Mental health issues in detention centers have come under scrutiny, with advocates calling for better support systems in light of these tragic events. The national suicide hotline is available for those in need, reachable by calling or texting 988.
