Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan man tragically died on January 14 at the Camp East Montana detention facility housed on the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas. At a little past 4 PM, the medical personnel on site jumped into action when they found Diaz unconscious and unresponsive in his room. Their quick response made all the difference in managing the crisis.
That adventure started when Diaz, now 21 years old, first crossed into the United States through the Mexican border in March 2024. After his submission, he was scheduled a court hearing with an immigration judge and later released on parole. He was arrested a third time on January 6 in unknown circumstances. Little did Luis know, this event would be the start of his last days in ICE custody. According to the New York Times, Diaz’s death illustrates a racist and troubling trend. He is the fifth person known to have died in ICE custody this year. During the entire prior year, just 32 people died in ICE custody.
The local medical examiner has indicated that the cause of death was “asphyxia due to neck and chest compression.” This alarming revelation has raised questions about the conditions within ICE facilities amid increasing scrutiny regarding their treatment of detainees.
“They immediately notified contract medical staff on site to conduct life-saving measures.” – ICE
A fellow detainee named Santos Jesus Flores recalled what happened during Diaz’s final moments. He stated, “He said, ‘I cannot breathe, I cannot breathe.’ After that, we don’t hear his voice anymore and that’s it.” These quotes underscore the desperation and urgency felt by individuals trapped behind the bars of these facilities.
Her death brought renewed scrutiny at a time when ICE’s operations were already under increased examination. On August 26 of last year, a runaway immigrant judge ordered his removal “in absentia.” Yet, this decision injects a new layer of complexity into his case. Diaz’s death continues to fuel urgent debate over conditions in ICE detention centers. A growing number are now asking whether the people incarcerated in these jails and prisons should be flourishing.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), underscored the need for stringent management and oversight in detention facilities. She noted that some detainees have attempted to escape violently while in their holding. This quote highlights the balance law enforcement must maintain in regulating detainee population behavior and maintaining the safety of all involved.