The El Paso County Medical Examiner confirmed an autopsy was performed but has declined further public comment. ICE also noted in its account that Lunas Campos had an extensive criminal background and identified him as a registered sex offender. The conflicting narratives have highlighted both operational questions inside Camp East Montana and broader accountability gaps when deaths occur on federal military property. Camp East Montana is a sprawling tent compound expanded rapidly in recent years as ICE capacity increased to accommodate surges in detainees. With toxicology pending and an official cause of death not yet finalized, the preliminary finding will nonetheless shape immediate investigative priorities and public debate over detention oversight, accountability and the fiscal implications of outsourcing immigration custody.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 18, 2026 00:10 UTC