Overview
- A 41-year-old Salvadoran man, Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, suffered a medical emergency at Delaney Hall and was taken to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead on Saturday.
- His family says he had diabetes, high blood pressure and seizures and was not getting regular medication in custody, while ICE says he received proper care and that the official cause of death is pending further medical examination.
- Delaney Hall reopened in May 2025 under a GEO Group contract and this is the second known detainee death there since reopening, following protests, hunger strikes and repeated complaints alleging denied medication and delayed treatment.
- New Jersey leaders and Democratic members of Congress have renewed calls to close the privately run facility and are seeking independent inspections and investigations after state officials reported obstruction when trying to inspect the center.
- The death adds to a wider rise in fatalities in ICE custody this year and comes as advocates warn that recent agency changes limiting public reporting of some deaths could make outside oversight and tracking harder.