Nicaraguan man’s death at Texas ICE detention appears to be self-inflicted: Officials

Federal officials say a Nicaraguan immigrant died last week while being held at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Texas.

ICE identified the detainee as 36-year-old Victor Manuel Diaz, who was found unresponsive Wednesday at a large tent complex on the U.S. Army’s Fort Bliss base in El Paso. The agency said Diaz appears to have died by suicide. A federal investigation into his death is ongoing.

Diaz had been detained at Camp Montana East, the same facility where another detainee died earlier this month under separate circumstances.

ICE said Diaz was taken into custody Jan. 6 in Minnesota as part of a federal immigration enforcement operation and was later transferred to Texas.

According to the agency, Diaz entered the United States in March 2024 and was apprehended by Border Patrol. He was released on parole while awaiting immigration proceedings but failed to appear for a court hearing in August. A judge later ordered his removal from the country.

ICE said Diaz received a final order of removal Jan. 12, two days before he was found unconscious in his detention housing area.

The agency did not provide additional details about Diaz’s death, citing the ongoing investigation. ICE said it notifies Congress and publishes a public statement for all deaths that occur in its custody.

Earlier this month, another detainee at Camp Montana East, identified as 55-year-old Geraldo Lunas Campos, also died. ICE initially said staff members were attempting to prevent Lunas Campos from harming himself.

However, a preliminary report from the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office found Lunas Campos died from asphyxia caused by chest and neck compression and said the death would likely be classified as a homicide.

A fellow detainee told The Associated Press that Lunas Campos was handcuffed and refused to return to his cell when at least five officers restrained him on the floor. The detainee said one officer had an arm around Lunas Campos’ neck.

ICE said the death of Lunas Campos remains under investigation.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available in the U.S. by calling or texting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.