West Texas ICE Detainee Dead From Apparent Suicide

A man who has been in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in El Paso since January 6 has recently died in his holding room. The cause of death is believed to be suicide, although the investigation is still ongoing.

El Paso ICE Detainee Who Died in Custody

36-year-old Victor Manuel Diaz from Nicaragua first entered ICE custody when officers discovered his undocumented presence in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 6 of this year.

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Diaz first illegally entered the U.S. on March 26, 2024 when border agents along the U.S.-Mexico border served him a notice to appear in court after processing his information.

Over one year later on August 26, 2025, an immigration judge ordered him to be removed in absentia. This means that the order was given without Diaz being present in the courtroom.

On January 12, 2026, ICE detained him pending his removal from the U.S.

Cause of Death: Apparent Suicide

Security staff at Camp East Montana in El Paso found Diaz unconscious in his room at 3:35 p.m. on January 14. After notifying EMS, life-saving measures were administered, but he was officially pronounced deceased at 4:09 p.m.

The unofficial cause of death is suicide, but the case is still being investigated by medical staff and personnel.

In 2025, there were a reported 18 deaths of illegal immigrants while in ICE custody. Whenever a detainee death occurs, ICE must report it to Congress, but the information can also be found on ICE's public website.