A Cuban migrant, Geraldo Lunas Campos, died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody at Camp East Montana in Texas on January 3, following an altercation with guards, according to an autopsy report released Wednesday. The report ruled the death a homicide caused by asphyxia.

Lunas Campos, 55, was being held in solitary confinement at the time of the incident. ICE initially stated that Lunas Campos was attempting suicide and that staff intervened to save him. However, a witness told The Associated Press that Lunas Campos was handcuffed while at least five guards held him down, with one guard applying pressure around his neck until he lost consciousness.

The death of Lunas Campos highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of migrants in ICE detention facilities. The United States, like many nations, grapples with the complexities of immigration enforcement and the rights of detainees. International human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly raised concerns about conditions in immigration detention centers globally, including in the U.S., citing issues such as overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and the use of solitary confinement.

The Cuban migration experience is often driven by political and economic instability on the island. Many Cubans seek asylum in the U.S., citing fears of persecution and a lack of economic opportunity. The U.S. has historically offered preferential treatment to Cuban migrants, particularly those arriving by land, although policies have shifted over time.

This incident occurred amidst broader scrutiny of ICE's operations and its budget, which has grown significantly in recent years. Critics argue that resources should be redirected towards community-based alternatives to detention and addressing the root causes of migration. The deaths of migrants in ICE custody often spark international condemnation and calls for greater transparency and accountability within the agency. Lunas Campos' death was one of at least three reported in little more than a month at Camp East Montana. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.