A Cuban experiencing homelessness was killed under unclear circumstances during a police shooting on August 15 in a park in Denison, Iowa, USA.
The death of Freglys Antonio Campos, who had lost his job after his CBP One visa was canceled, has sparked outrage among the Latino community, reports Telemundo.
The 36-year-old young man was spending the night in the park after being evicted from his home due to a lack of income.
The police report from the Denison Department states that "around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, the Denison Police responded to a service call in Washington Park in Denison."
"The on-duty officer contacted a 36-year-old man identified as Feglys Antonio Campos Arriba. Campos was reluctant to cooperate, and a physical confrontation ensued. During the altercation, the officer sustained serious injuries and discharged his firearm. Campos died at the scene. The officer was taken to the hospital, treated for his injuries, and later discharged," the report states.
"The officer is currently on paid administrative leave, in accordance with the Denison Police Department's policy (...) This is an ongoing investigation. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting the investigation into the shooting. Once completed, the investigation will be referred to the Crawford County Attorney's Office and the Iowa Attorney General's Office for review," they conclude.
Cuban migrants have started a fundraising campaign to provide burial for this young Cuban migrant
“Freglys Antonio Campos was unjustly deprived of his life by local police in Denison, Iowa; the authorities have not provided an explanation. His only 'crime' was losing his job, being expelled from his home, and not having family nearby. All I ask is that our voice be heard and justice be served,” can be read in the Gofundme petition organized by Brenda Hernández, which is nearing its fundraising goal.
"Fregly came to seek a better life in the United States; however, he lost his life simply for sleeping in a park without bothering anyone. The police officer continues working as if nothing happened. We plead for his support, as he had no family in this small town; his family is in Spain, and we just want his body to have a memorable wake," they add.
According to Telemundo, the authorities have not provided specific details about the circumstances nor explained whether de-escalation protocols were implemented in cases of mental health crisis.
Campos was known for his hardworking and reserved nature, the report states.
After Campos's death, a group of Cubans gathered last Sunday to protest his death in front of the Denison police, according to the report by independent journalist Alberto Arego.
"We are deeply saddened by what happened last Friday, August 15, in Washington Park, where, unfortunately, a member of our community, Feglys A. Campos, lost his life in an incident involving police officers," said Iván Medrano in the group Cubanos en Denison, Iowa, according to Arego.
"We know that we all want immediate answers, but the investigative process is slow. Still, it is our right as a community to demand clarity and transparency. Several community members went to the Denison, Iowa Police, but we did not get any answers since the investigation is now under the jurisdiction of the State of Iowa. I tried to reach out by phone, but I did not receive a response," he added.
The death of this Cuban highlights the vulnerability of migrants amid the deportation policies implemented by the Trump Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Police Shooting in Denison, Iowa
What happened in the police shooting in Denison, Iowa?
A Cuban homeless individual, Freglys Antonio Campos, was killed during a police shooting on August 15, 2025, in a park in Denison, Iowa. According to the police report, Campos was reluctant to cooperate, leading to a physical confrontation with an officer, who fired their weapon during the altercation. The local Cuban community has expressed outrage and demands clarity regarding the circumstances of the incident.
What actions is the community taking in response to the death of Freglys Antonio Campos?
The Cuban community in Denison has organized protests and fundraising events to demand justice and provide a burial for Campos. Cuban migrants have launched a campaign on GoFundMe to raise funds for his funeral. Additionally, demonstrations have taken place in front of the local police, calling for transparency in the investigation.
What is known about the investigation into the shooting at Denison Park?
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is responsible for the investigation of the shooting. Once completed, the case will be referred to the Crawford County Prosecutor's Office and the Iowa Attorney General's Office for review. In the meantime, the involved officer is on paid administrative leave, in accordance with the Denison Police Department's policy.
What details surround the personal situation of Freglys Antonio Campos before his death?
Freglys Antonio Campos, 36 years old, was experiencing a personal and mental health crisis. He had lost his job after the cancellation of his CBP One visa and was living in a park after being evicted from his home. The community describes him as a hardworking and quiet individual who posed no threat to anyone.
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