ICE Detainee Dies in Federal Custody at New Jersey Facility, Sparking Calls for Closure

A 41-year-old Salvadoran citizen, who had previously been deported and later re-entered the United States without authorization, passed away while in federal immigration custody. Officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the death, which occurred after the individual's arrest in New Jersey.

Edwin Lopez-Cornejo died on August 1 at University Hospital in Newark. His death followed a medical emergency that took place while he was detained at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility, according to a statement released by ICE.

Personnel from the GEO Group, the private company responsible for managing Delaney Hall, along with medical staff, responded to the emergency incident and contacted 911 for assistance.

The precise cause of death is currently awaiting a formal medical examination, as stated by ICE. The agency also affirmed that Lopez-Cornejo received appropriate medical attention throughout his period of detention.

Background on Detention and Prior Deportation

Lopez-Cornejo was initially encountered by U.S. Border Patrol around August 13, 2006, for entering the country without inspection. An immigration judge from the Department of Justice subsequently issued a removal order on August 25, 2006, leading to his deportation to El Salvador on October 19, 2006.

He later re-entered the U.S. unlawfully at an unspecified time. ICE officers apprehended him in Plainfield, New Jersey, on June 18 of this year. He was being held at Delaney Hall while awaiting removal, a process that involved the reinstatement of his previous deportation order.

Following his death, ICE officials informed the Department of Homeland Security's oversight divisions, the Consulate of El Salvador in Elizabeth, and Lopez-Cornejo's next of kin about the incident.

Official Reactions and Facility Concerns

The death of Lopez-Cornejo quickly prompted strong criticism from New Jersey public figures, who renewed their calls for the permanent closure of Delaney Hall.

"I am deeply disturbed to hear of a detainee death inside Delaney Hall this weekend," New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill stated. "My heart is with the individual's loved ones, who deserve answers about what happened. My administration is working with our congressional delegation to gather all the facts surrounding this death."

Governor Sherrill further emphasized her position, adding,

"This tragedy is another painful reminder of why Delaney Hall should be closed."

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka also issued a statement condemning the circumstances of the death.

"In less than a year, yet another family is forced to endure the unimaginable loss of a loved one while in custody at Delaney Hall," Mayor Baraka commented. "The death of Edwin Jovanny Lopez-Cornejo is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of a facility that has operated for far too long without adequate oversight, accountability or transparency."

This incident marks the second reported detainee death at the facility within a relatively short period. Another detainee, Jean Wilson Brutus, also 41 years old, reportedly died on December 12, 2025, after experiencing a medical emergency less than 24 hours after his arrival at Delaney Hall.

The New Jersey facility has faced numerous accusations from state and local inspectors regarding its alleged obstruction of health and safety assessments. It has also been the site of recurring protests and hunger strikes by detainees, who have raised concerns about food quality, overcrowding, and the standard of medical care provided.