A Cuban man experiencing homelessness was killed under unclear circumstances during a police shooting on August 15 at a park in Denison, Iowa. The death of Freglys Antonio Campos, who lost his job following the cancellation of his CBP One visa, has sparked outrage within the Latino community, according to a report by Telemundo.
The 36-year-old had been sleeping in the park after being evicted due to a lack of income. The Denison Police Department report reveals that "at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, Denison Police responded to a service call at Washington Park in Denison."
"The officer on duty contacted a 36-year-old male, identified as Feglys Antonio Campos Arriba. Campos was uncooperative, leading to a physical confrontation. During the altercation, the officer sustained serious injuries and discharged his weapon. Campos died at the scene. The officer was taken to the hospital, treated for his injuries, and later released," the report states.
The officer is currently on paid administrative leave, following Denison Police Department policy. This is an ongoing investigation. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is handling the investigation into the shooting. Once completed, the findings will be forwarded to the Crawford County Attorney and the Iowa Attorney General for review.
Cuban migrants have initiated a fundraising campaign to provide a proper burial for this young Cuban migrant. "Freglys Antonio Campos was unjustly deprived of life by local police in Denison, Iowa. Authorities have not provided an explanation. His only crime was losing his job, being evicted, and having no family nearby. We only ask that our voice be heard and justice be served," reads the Gofundme petition organized by Brenda Hernández, which is nearing its fundraising goal.
"Freglys came to the United States seeking a better life, yet he lost his life simply for sleeping in a park, bothering no one. The officer continues to work as if nothing happened. We plead for your support as he had no family in this small town; his family is in Spain, and we only want his body to have a memorable funeral," the petition adds.
According to Telemundo, authorities have not detailed the exact circumstances or explained whether de-escalation protocols for mental health crises were applied. Campos was known for his hardworking and reserved nature, the report states.
Following Campos's death, a group of Cubans gathered on Sunday to protest outside the Denison police station, as reported by independent journalist Alberto Arego. "We are deeply saddened by what happened last Friday, August 15, at Washington Park, where unfortunately, a member of our community, Feglys A. Campos, lost his life in an incident involving police officers," said Iván Medrano in the Cubans in Denison, Iowa group, according to Arego.
"We all want immediate answers, but the investigation process is slow. However, it is our right as a community to demand clarity and transparency. Several community members went to the Denison Police in Iowa, but we received no answers as the investigation is now under the state's jurisdiction. I tried to reach out by phone but got no response," Medrano added.
The death of this Cuban highlights the vulnerability of migrants amidst the deportation policies enforced by the Trump Administration.
Understanding the Police Shooting in Iowa
What were the circumstances leading to Freglys Campos's death?
Freglys Campos was involved in a physical confrontation with a police officer in Washington Park, Denison, Iowa, during which the officer discharged his weapon, resulting in Campos’s death.
How is the community responding to the incident?
The Latino community, along with other supporters, has expressed outrage and is demanding justice for Campos. They have organized protests and launched a fundraising campaign to cover his burial expenses.
Who is investigating the police shooting?
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting the investigation, and their findings will be reviewed by the Crawford County Attorney and the Iowa Attorney General.