ICE is terminating its $1.2 billion contract for Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss, Texas — its largest detention facility — after 3 detainee deaths in 8 months. The El Paso Medical Examiner ruled the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos a homicide, with cause of death determined to be asphyxia from neck and torso compression — meaning guards pinned him down until he died.
A second detainee, Francisco Gaspar-Andres, died after months of illness with inadequate medical care. A third, Victor Manuel Diaz, died by apparent suicide. The facility also experienced a measles outbreak. NBC News reported that ICE hasn't paid third-party medical providers at the facility since October 2025.
ICE currently holds approximately 73,000 people nationwide — the highest number in history and an 84% increase from January 2025. More than 70% of detainees have no criminal record.
The homicide ruling means federal agents killed a detained person in custody — a person the government had a legal obligation to keep alive and safe. The facility's conditions, the unpaid medical providers, and the three deaths in 8 months paint a picture of a detention system prioritizing capacity over human life.