Monday, January 19, 2026- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is moving forward with deportation proceedings against two detainees who provided accounts contradicting the official narrative of a fellow detainee’s death at an ICE facility in Texas.
Santos Jesus Flores and Antonio Ascon Frometa say they witnessed guards struggle with and choke fellow detainee Geraldo Lunas Campos at the Camp East Montana detention center on January 3, but DHS has maintained that Campos died by suicide during an attempt to harm himself. The timing of the deportation notices—issued days after the men spoke to the press—has intensified scrutiny and raised concerns about retaliation against potential witnesses.
Preliminary findings from a local medical examiner suggest the death may be ruled a homicide due to asphyxia resulting from neck and chest compression, a development that sharply contradicts the Department’s initial account and could influence investigations into the conditions and conduct at the facility.
Legal experts warn that removing key eyewitnesses could hinder inquiries and leave unanswered questions about the use of force and detainee treatment. Advocates argue that swift deportations in this context undermine accountability and transparency.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement in the United States, with multiple fatalities in custody and controversial encounters involving federal agents attracting national attention and protests.
Civil rights groups and local officials have condemned the handling of detainees and are calling for deeper investigations into detention practices. As the situation unfolds, the clash between official narratives and eyewitness accounts underscores persistent debates over oversight, due process, and human rights in immigration detention.
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