**Salvadoran Man Dies in ICE Custody at New Jersey Detention Center**
Newark, New Jersey – A Salvadoran man, Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, died on Saturday while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Delaney Hall detention facility. His death marks the second such incident at the facility within less than a year, raising concerns about the conditions and medical care provided to detainees.
Lopez-Cornejo, 41, experienced a medical emergency at Delaney Hall and was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he passed away. ICE confirmed his death in a statement released on Monday, though the official cause remains undetermined. The agency reported that staff from GEO Group, the private contractor managing the facility, responded to the emergency and facilitated his transfer to the hospital.
Lopez-Cornejo had a history of health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and seizures. Advocacy groups have alleged that he was denied necessary medication while detained. His mother, Maria Cornejo, shared in a video posted on social media that she had spoken to her son shortly before his death. During that conversation, he expressed feeling unwell and reported losing sensation in his face and hand.
The Salvadoran immigrant had been previously detained and deported in 2006 after crossing into the U.S. without authorization. He returned to the country at a later date and was apprehended again by ICE agents in Plainfield, New Jersey, in mid-June 2026, leading to his detention at Delaney Hall under an order to revive his earlier deportation case. He leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter.
Following the announcement of Lopez-Cornejo's death, a vigil was held outside Delaney Hall, where protesters gathered to honor his memory and voice their concerns regarding the treatment of detainees. Among the attendees was Gabriela Soto, whose husband has been in ICE detention for over five months. The emotional gathering highlighted the grief and frustration felt by families affected by the immigration detention system.
ICE asserts that all detainees are screened for medical issues shortly after their arrival, with a comprehensive health evaluation conducted within two weeks. The agency claims that detainees have access to emergency medical treatment at all times and maintains that Lopez-Cornejo received appropriate care during his time in custody.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka expressed his condolences, stating that the death of Lopez-Cornejo represents another tragic moment for families connected to the detention facility. “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,” he remarked.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also condemned the incident, calling it a “painful reminder” of the need to close Delaney Hall. She emphasized her administration's commitment to working with the state's congressional delegation to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lopez-Cornejo's death.
Representative Rob Menendez, a member of New Jersey's congressional delegation, echoed concerns regarding the conditions at Delaney Hall. He noted the ongoing reports of inadequate medical care and emphasized the need for accountability from ICE and its contractors. “We continue to hear about the medical conditions at Delaney Hall. We continue to hear about the inadequate care … which is why we keep showing up,” he stated.
Delaney Hall was reopened last year as part of a broader expansion of immigration detention under the previous administration. The facility has faced scrutiny and criticism from various advocacy groups and lawmakers, who argue that the treatment of detainees often falls short of acceptable standards.
As the investigation into Lopez-Cornejo's death continues, the incident has reignited discussions about the treatment of immigrants in detention and the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies.