El Paso, Texas, January 20, 2026
Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old immigrant from Nicaragua, was found unresponsive in his cell at Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas. Despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. ICE has classified his death as a presumed suicide amid ongoing investigations into the facility’s conditions and prior deaths. The incident raises significant questions about the treatment of detainees and the safety within ICE detention centers.
El Paso, Texas: Nicaraguan Detainee Dies at ICE Facility
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | Victor Manuel Diaz |
| Age | 36 |
| Country of Origin | Nicaragua |
Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old immigrant from Nicaragua, was tragically found unresponsive in his cell at the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas, on January 14, 2026. Despite the prompt medical attention provided, he was pronounced dead later that afternoon. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has categorized his death as a presumed suicide, although the official cause is still under investigation.
Details of the Incident
Diaz was apprehended on January 6, 2026, during an immigration enforcement operation that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Having entered the United States in March 2024, he had been initially released on parole, pending a court date. In August 2025, an immigration judge issued a removal order in absentia after he failed to appear for the hearing. A final removal order was put into effect on January 12, 2026, merely two days before his untimely death.
Context of the Facility
Situated within the Fort Bliss military base, Camp East Montana has garnered attention for several tragic incidents. Diaz’s death is particularly alarming as it marks the third fatal incident at this facility since its inception in August 2025. The prior fatalities include that of a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant and a 48-year-old Guatemalan immigrant. These ongoing investigations into the incidents have raised questions regarding the conditions of the facility and the treatment of its detainees.
Ongoing Investigations
ICE has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety and humane treatment of all individuals in its custody. The agency has informed Congress and issued statements in response to the incidents at the Camp East Montana facility. Despite these assurances, advocates and civil rights groups have expressed concerns about the facility’s conditions, particularly regarding medical care and the level of access to legal representation for detainees.
Background Information
Victor Manuel Diaz hailed from Jinotega, Nicaragua, and was a resident of the United States since March 2024. Before his detention, he was working in Minneapolis. His last interaction with his mother, MarÃa del Carmen DÃaz GarcÃa, occurred on January 6, 2026, when he informed her he was on his way to work. After several days of silence, the family was devastated to learn of both his detention and subsequent passing.
Related Incidents
The tragic deaths at Camp East Montana have spotlighted broader issues within ICE detention facilities, leading to persistent dialogues about the treatment of detainees. There have been numerous reports indicating inadequate medical care and limited access to legal resources. These ongoing challenges underpin the need for reforms and enhanced oversight within the immigration detention system.
Conclusion
The fatal incident involving Victor Manuel Diaz at Camp East Montana raises critical questions about detainee safety and the conditions within ICE facilities. As investigations progress, there are amplified calls for comprehensive reforms aimed at safeguarding the humane treatment of individuals in custody. It is essential for community members and stakeholders to remain informed and engaged as the conversation surrounding immigration policies and detention practices evolves.
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