The recent death of Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan man, in a Texas detention facility has raised alarms regarding the mental health and safety of individuals held in federal immigration facilities. Diaz's passing, which officials have ruled a presumed suicide, came just days after his detention by ICE agents in Minnesota.
According to a 911 call obtained by sources, Diaz was found unresponsive in his room at Camp East Montana, with signs indicating he had attempted to take his own life. The facility, located at Fort Bliss, has been scrutinized for its handling of detainees, with multiple deaths reported and claims of neglect and mistreatment surfacing.
Diaz had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border seeking asylum in 2024, but was later detained after failing to attend an immigration hearing, resulting in an order for his deportation. His family, who lost contact with him shortly after his detention, was notified of his death by ICE on January 15. They expressed skepticism about the suicide ruling, pointing out that Diaz was anticipating being reunited with family in Nicaragua.
Legal representatives and family members are calling for thorough investigations into his death, as well as the practices within the camp, where two other deaths have also been reported — one ruled a homicide involving excessive force from guards. Advocates for detainees, including a coalition of community groups, are pushing for the closure of the facility and improvements in the treatment of individuals detained by ICE.
The ongoing concerns highlight systemic issues within U.S. immigration detention practices, raising urgent questions about mental health support and the overall conditions faced by detainees. With calls for accountability growing, the future of facilities like Camp East Montana hangs in the balance as advocates demand change.



















