FBI Investigating Death of Cuban National in ICE Custody

Amid a rising number of immigration detention deaths, acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons told lawmakers Thursday that the FBI was investigating a Cuban national’s death.

Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55, died at Camp East Montana in Texas in January. His death was later ruled as homicide, while DHS said he had attempted to take his own life and agents had quickly worked to administer emergency medical care.

Lyons, appearing before a House hearing on the Department of Homeland Security‘s budget, was asked by Texas Representative Veronica Escobar what the status was of Campos’ investigation.

“Once we had that information provided to us, we went ahead and referred that case, that case is now with the FBI,” Lyons said, adding he could not speak to active investigations.

Escobar said she wanted to speak further with Lyons about staff at the detention center allegedly lying about the circumstances of the immigrant’s death.

The acting ICE director was also questioned about the agency’s track record on reporting detention deaths and whether any policies were in place to prevent further immigrant deaths.

Newsweek reached out to the FBI and DHS for comment via email.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 11:59 AM.