A Cuban national passed away on the night of January 3 while in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the East Montana Camp in Texas, as confirmed by the federal agency in an official statement.
The deceased, identified as Geraldo Lunas Campos, aged 55, died at 10:16 p.m. after experiencing medical complications. The specific cause of his death remains under investigation.
According to ICE's account, on the same day, Lunas Campos exhibited "disruptive" behavior while waiting for his medication and refused to return to his assigned dormitory, which resulted in him being placed in isolation. Later, staff at the facility noticed his distressed state and called for medical assistance.
Medical personnel at the center responded and attempted life-saving measures while also requesting emergency medical services. Despite these efforts, the Cuban national was pronounced dead by emergency responders at the scene.
ICE emphasized in its statement that Lunas Campos was classified as an "aggravated felon" and a "convicted child sex offender," with an extensive criminal record in the United States.
His convictions included offenses such as sexual contact with a minor under 11, illegal possession and use of weapons, sale of controlled substances, driving under the influence, and multiple thefts.
Lunas Campos entered the United States in 1996 and had a final deportation order issued by an immigration judge since March 2005. However, deportation was delayed for years due to the inability to secure travel documents. He was transferred to the East Montana Camp in September 2025.
This death comes months after federal agents arrested him in Rochester, New York, during an immigration operation, a case that authorities at the time highlighted as part of efforts to remove individuals with violent histories from the streets.
In its official statement, ICE reiterated its commitment to ensuring "safe, secure, and humane" conditions for all individuals in its custody, emphasizing that detainees receive medical care upon entry and throughout their detention.
ICE also reminded that, as mandated by Congress, all deaths occurring under immigration detention must be reported and made public within a 90-day timeframe.
Key Questions About ICE Custody and Detainee Deaths
What was the cause of Geraldo Lunas Campos's death?
The exact cause of Geraldo Lunas Campos's death is still under investigation, following his medical complications while in ICE custody.
Why was Geraldo Lunas Campos considered a high-priority detainee?
Geraldo Lunas Campos was considered a high-priority detainee due to his classification as an "aggravated felon" and a "convicted child sex offender" with a significant criminal record in the U.S.
What is ICE's policy on reporting deaths in custody?
ICE is required by Congress to report and publish any deaths occurring under its custody within a 90-day period.