Death of man arrested by ICE may be probed as homicide

"The investigation will likely classify the death as a homicide, according to the Washington Post, which obtained a recording of a conversation between an employee of the local medical examiner's office and Campos' daughter. According to the unnamed employee, a doctor at the office will list the preliminary cause of death of asphyxia due to neck and chest compression, which means he likely suffocated to death due to pressure on his neck and chest."

"When Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, was contacted for comment late Thursday, she suggested Campos had died by suicide after a violent altercation with agents. RELATED: Who is accountable? ICE killing in Minnesota reignites Bay Area debate over police shootings of drivers Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life, she said."

"Lunas became disruptive while in line for medication and refused to return to his assigned dorm, the agency said in a Jan. 9 news release. After he was placed in segregation, staff observed him in distress and contacted on-site medical personnel for assistance. Despite lifesaving efforts, Lunas Campos was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m., the agency said, adding the cause of death was under investigation."

Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55, a Cuban national, died Jan. 3 in El Paso after authorities described a medical incident following a disturbance at a tent camp. Lunas became disruptive while in line for medication and refused to return to his assigned dorm. After placement in segregation, staff observed him in distress and contacted medical personnel; he was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m. A recording of a local medical examiner's office employee indicates the preliminary cause of death will be listed as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression and the manner likely listed as homicide pending toxicology. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin suggested Campos died by suicide after violently resisting security staff.

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