Tragic Death of Immigrant Raises Concerns at Texas Detention Facility

Tue Jan 20 2026 05:19:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Nicaraguan immigrant, Victor Manuel Diaz, was found dead in a Texas immigration detention center, highlighting ongoing issues of mental health and safety in custody.

Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old immigrant from Nicaragua, was reported dead in a Texas immigration detention facility, allegedly from suicide. His death comes after a second detainee in the same facility died earlier in suspicious conditions, raising alarms about the treatment of detainees and mental health support in immigration custody.

EL PASO, Texas — Authorities reported that Victor Manuel Diaz, an immigrant from Nicaragua, was found dead last week in a Texas immigration detention facility. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has indicated that Diaz's death may have been a suicide, which occurred at the Fort Bliss tent complex in El Paso.

Diaz's death has prompted a federal investigation, following an earlier incident where another detainee died under troubling circumstances while staff attempted to restrain him. Witness accounts revealed that that detainee, heavily restrained, was reportedly asphyxiated in the process.

The tragic event has ignited public outcry and questions regarding the treatment of detainees within immigration custody. Advocates emphasize the need for improved mental health care and oversight to prevent future tragedies.

Diaz was detained in a federal operation earlier this month after entering the United States in 2024. Though he was initially released on parole, a judge ordered his removal in August, which he did not oppose. Diaz's mental health and the circumstances leading to his final days in custody are under scrutiny.

Furthermore, an official report indicated that Diaz had a final order of removal just days before he was discovered unconscious in his cell on January 12. As federal officials continue to investigate, many are left questioning the protocols in place to protect vulnerable individuals held in detention.

These incidents have led to calls for reform in detention practices, highlighting the urgent need for humane treatment and preventive measures for mental health issues affecting detainees. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, support is available via the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.