Tragic Death of Nicaraguan Immigrant Highlights Concerns in Texas Detention Facilities

Mon Jan 19 2026 20:45:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent suicide of Victor Manuel Diaz at an immigration detention center in Texas raises serious questions about the mental health support and safety measures in place for detainees.

Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old immigrant from Nicaragua, was found dead in an immigration detention facility in Texas. His death, ruled as a suicide, is under federal investigation. This incident follows another tragic death at the same facility, leading to concerns regarding the treatment and monitoring of detainees. Reports suggest systemic issues contributing to detainee distress, prompting calls for more scrutiny and reform in immigration detention practices.

EL PASO, Texas (Civitas) — The recent death of Victor Manuel Diaz, an immigrant from Nicaragua, at a Texas immigration detention facility has sparked further scrutiny on the conditions and mental health support available to detainees.

Victor Manuel Diaz, aged 36, was discovered dead last Wednesday at the temporary facility located at Fort Bliss, an installation of the U.S. Army. Authorities state that initial findings suggest he took his own life, and a federal investigation is now underway.

This incident marks a troubling trend in the facility, as it occurs shortly after another detainee, Geraldo Lunas Campos, died during an apparent suicide prevention attempt by the staff. Reports have emerged from other detainees indicating that excessive force may have been used, with multiple officers restraining Campos while he was handcuffed.

Diaz had been taken into custody as part of a federal immigration enforcement operation earlier this year. His journey through the immigration system was complicated; he entered the U.S. in March 2024 and was later ordered to leave the country by a judge in August.

The agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has a history of being criticized for the treatment of detainees, particularly regarding mental health resources. According to federal guidelines, all information regarding deaths in custody is required to be reported to Congress, yet advocates argue that this alone is not enough to address systemic issues that contribute to stress and despair among detainees.

In response to the recent events, community groups and immigration advocates are calling for more stringent oversight and an overhaul of the policies surrounding detention facilities, including enhanced mental health support services and better training for staff on managing detainee crises.

As inquiries continue into both deaths, advocates express concern about the lack of safety measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals within the immigration system. They urge for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of detained immigrants.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988.