The Iowa Attorney General's Office has concluded that the death of Cuban migrant Feglys Antonio Campos Arriba, which occurred on August 15 in Denison, was "legally justified." The decision, announced on Tuesday, closes the criminal investigation without charges against Sergeant Alan Romero, the officer who shot Campos at Washington Park.
The official report indicates that Romero attempted several non-lethal force methods, including the use of a stun gun and physical maneuvers. However, Campos allegedly continued to attack, even biting the officer's ear. Faced with this situation, the prosecution stated that the officer was "compelled" to fire four shots at the 36-year-old migrant.
Community Outrage Over Inconsistencies
Despite the official account, neighbors and friends of the deceased have pointed out discrepancies, noting that the body showed more gunshot wounds than the report acknowledges. The Hispanic community in Denison has responded with outrage, with several residents demanding the release of the officer's body camera footage, convinced that the official narrative does not reflect reality.
"It's sad that they speak so ill of someone who can't defend themselves," a neighbor told the Spanish newspaper El País, preferring to remain anonymous. Another resident, Julio Rodríguez, expressed skepticism: "I knew it would end like this. It was clear they would cover for each other."
The Human Side of the Tragedy
Just days before his death, Campos had been evicted from the motel where he lived for being unable to pay the $550 monthly rent. Unemployed and homeless, he had taken refuge in Washington Park, where the shooting occurred. Campos had arrived in the United States in 2023 through the CBP One program but lost his work permit due to restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on those under that protection.
Campos’ mother, Magalys Arriba Fuentes, who resides in Madrid, tearfully described her son as a hardworking man seeking a better life. "Police are supposed to protect us, not kill us. I don't know what could have happened to my son. No one deserves to die that way," she lamented.
Calls for Justice and Transparency
Following the incident, dozens of residents organized protests in front of the police station, erected an altar in the park, and demanded the complete release of the operation’s videos. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $3,000 to cover Campos' funeral expenses, and his body will be laid to rest outside of Iowa.
While the official stance maintains that Officer Romero acted in "self-defense," the local community views the resolution as a case of police impunity tinted with xenophobia. For many, Campos' death symbolizes the extreme vulnerability of Cuban migrants in the United States, caught between exclusionary policies, job insecurity, and institutional violence.
Key Questions About the Iowa Shooting Case
What led to the shooting of Feglys Antonio Campos Arriba?
According to the official report, Officer Romero attempted non-lethal force methods, but Campos allegedly continued to attack, leading to the shooting.
Why was the death of Campos declared "legally justified"?
The Iowa Attorney General's Office concluded that the officer acted in self-defense after non-lethal methods failed to subdue Campos.
How has the Denison community reacted to the decision?
The community has responded with indignation, demanding transparency and the release of body camera footage, suspecting the official version does not align with the facts.