Community Leaders Demand Change After ICE Custody Death in El Paso

In response to the death of a detainee at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in El Paso, community and religious leaders gathered on January 16, 2025, to express their outrage and demand significant changes to immigration enforcement practices. The incident involving **Geraldo Lunas Campos**, a 55-year-old man, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of individuals in ICE custody and the broader implications of current immigration policies.

A recent article in **The Washington Post** highlighted that preliminary reports from the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office suggest asphyxia may be listed as Campos’s cause of death, with the manner potentially classified as homicide. This revelation has intensified scrutiny on ICE and its operational protocols. During the gathering outside the **Enrique Moreno County Courthouse**, **Bishop Mark Seitz** of El Paso remarked, “The violence that we’re witnessing both in the private spaces in immigrant detention centers and now openly on the streets seems to be one of those moments.”

Calls for Change Amid Increased Raids

The recent death of Campos comes amid a backdrop of escalating immigration enforcement in the El Paso region. In the weeks leading up to this event, ICE has conducted untargeted raids, resulting in the detention of workers at various construction sites in areas such as **Horizon City** and **Santa Teresa, New Mexico**. These actions have drawn condemnation from various leaders and organizations, including **Annunciation House**, the **Border Network for Human Rights**, and **Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center**, who argue that such enforcement tactics are harmful to families and infringe on human rights.

Marisa Limón Garza, executive director of Las Americas, stated, “The cruelty is an option. We can enforce matters, we can follow orders. The cruelty should not be a requirement.” This sentiment reflects a growing demand for humane immigration policies that prioritize dignity and respect for individuals.

Details Surrounding Campos’s Death

**Geraldo Lunas Campos** was reported to have died after experiencing medical distress at the **East Montana Detention Facility**. ICE officials claimed that Campos became disruptive while waiting for medication and was subsequently placed in segregation. The agency stated that he resisted security staff’s attempts to assist him, leading to a struggle during which he reportedly lost consciousness. The exact circumstances of his death remain under investigation, with the **Department of Homeland Security** confirming that further details will be provided as the inquiry progresses.

Campos’s history reveals a complicated narrative. He was arrested in **Rochester, New York**, in July 2024 as part of an immigration enforcement operation and had a criminal record that included multiple charges. Despite a court order prohibiting his deportation, he was transferred to the El Paso facility in September 2024.

This incident marks the second death at the East Montana facility within a short period. **Francisco Gaspar-Andres**, a 48-year-old Guatemalan man, died in December 2024 after suffering medical complications while in ICE custody. The agency reported that his cause of death was attributed to natural liver and kidney failure.

Concerns About ICE Custody Conditions

These deaths occur against the backdrop of a troubling trend within ICE facilities. Reports indicate that 32 individuals died in ICE custody in 2023, making it one of the deadliest years on record for the agency. The **American Civil Liberties Union** (ACLU) has raised alarms over conditions at the East Montana facility, alleging instances of abuse, medical neglect, and inadequate access to legal representation.

The current administration has significantly ramped up immigration enforcement, leading to widespread protests and demands for accountability. The recent shooting of **Renee Nicole Good**, a U.S. citizen killed by an ICE agent during an operation in **Minnesota**, has further fueled public anger and calls for reform. Community leaders, including **Ruben Garcia**, executive director of Annunciation House, urged residents to remain engaged in advocating for constitutional protections and immigration reform.

The convergence of these events highlights an urgent need for reevaluation of enforcement strategies and the treatment of individuals within the immigration system. As community members rally for change, the implications of recent actions by ICE and the conditions within detention centers will continue to be scrutinized by advocates and lawmakers alike. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes a collective commitment to uphold human rights and ensure humane treatment for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.