Nicaraguan Man Dies in Texas Detention Center: Suspicion of Suicide Raises Concerns

Mon Feb 02 2026 14:58:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan man, died at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, after being detained by ICE. Authorities suspect the death may have been a suicide, leading to investigations and calls for accountability.

Victor Manuel Diaz, aged 36, was found dead in the Camp East Montana detention facility after being detained by ICE in Minnesota. His family and lawyer express skepticism regarding claims of suicide, urging further investigation into the conditions that may have led to this tragic event. This incident marks a growing concern over the treatment of detainees in immigration facilities, as advocacy groups call for the closure of Camp East Montana.

Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old man from Nicaragua, died at the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas, under troubling circumstances that are raising questions about the treatment of immigrants in detention centers.

Diaz was discovered unresponsive by guards on January 14, with officials leaning towards a conclusion of suicide based on a 911 call. However, his family, represented by attorney Randall Kallinen, is doubtful, asserting Diaz was not depressed and was looking forward to potentially being reunited with family in Nicaragua.

Authorities have indicated that Diaz may have hanged himself, though an official autopsy report remains pending. This tragic incident is the latest in a series of concerning deaths at the facility, prompting advocates for immigrant rights to demand investigations and the closure of the camp.

Diaz’s detainment took place on January 6 when ICE agents conducted apprehensions in Minnesota. His family lost contact soon after, only to receive news of his death days later, prompting shock and disbelief among his loved ones.

The events mirror those of other detainees at Camp East Montana, where another inmate’s death has been ruled a homicide, sparking criticism regarding the treatment and oversight of detainees within the facility. As calls for accountability grow louder, lawmakers and rights groups emphasize the need for systemic change in the management of immigration detention centers.

ICE confirmed that Diaz's death has become part of an ongoing investigation as government officials work to address the troubling past of this and other similar facilities.