WASHINGTON
The death of a Cuban immigrant in a Texas detention facility this month will likely be ruled a homicide, according to a local medical examiner—a finding that directly conflicts with federal officials’ claim that the man died by suicide.
Geraldo Lunas Campos died on Jan. 3 after an altercation with guards at the immigration detention center.
A witness told The Associated Press that guards handcuffed Lunas Campos, tackled him, and held him in a chokehold until he lost consciousness.
The El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office informed the family on Wednesday that a preliminary autopsy report lists the cause of death as homicide by asphyxia due to chest and neck compression, according to a recording of the call reviewed by the AP. U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, however, has stated Lunas Campos was attempting suicide and that staff intervened to save him.
By James Kisoo
