New Jersey immigrant called his mom from ICE detention to say he was sick. He died the next day
Salvadoran Father Dies in New Jersey Detention Center After Calling Family to Report Illness
Earthguardiansonline.com – A Salvadoran man who spent six weeks confined at a privately operated immigration detention facility in Newark has died following a medical emergency, adding to a growing list of fatalities among those held by federal immigration authorities. Edwin Lopez-Cornejo was pronounced dead on Saturday at University Hospital in Newark, where he had been transported after staff at the Delaney Hall detention center called emergency services.
The 39-year-old, identified by his family, had called his mother on Friday, August 1, to report that he was unwell. He described numbness in part of his face and one hand, and mentioned that a doctor was scheduled to visit him and arrange further testing. Maria Cornejo expected to hear from her son again on Saturday afternoon. Instead, the phone rang with a call from the hospital informing her that Edwin had suffered a medical crisis at the detention center, and that his heart had already stopped when he arrived.
A Father’s Final Days
Edwin’s 12-year-old daughter, who had been unable to visit her father during his confinement, spoke at a news conference on Tuesday through tears. “I’m going to grow up without a father. They didn’t even let him see me one last time before he died,” she said. “No one here is illegal. Everyone here should feel welcomed, not seen as criminals.”
According to Maria Cornejo, her son had lost approximately 30 pounds during his six weeks at Delaney Hall. He told her he was not receiving the medication he needed for his medical conditions, which included diabetes, high blood pressure, and epilepsy. He also described being held in a crowded cell shared by about 10 detainees, with only one open toilet for the entire group.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Maria Cornejo spoke in Spanish through a translator, demanding justice for her son, her granddaughter, and “everyone else who has been hunted down like criminals by ICE.” The family called for an independent investigation into Edwin’s death, the release of all medical records related to his case, and the closure of Delaney Hall. They also urged the release of all detainees, particularly those with medical vulnerabilities, and asked New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to open an investigation into what they described as a health crisis at the facility.
Facility Under Scrutiny
Delaney Hall, a privately owned facility operated by the GEO Group, has faced mounting criticism over conditions for detainees. Earlier this year, allegations of inhumane treatment sparked dayslong protests that escalated into clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators. The unrest prompted Newark’s mayor to impose a temporary curfew on the area surrounding the detention center.
Edwin Lopez-Cornejo’s death follows the passing of Jean Wilson Brutus, a 41-year-old migrant who died within a day of entering Delaney Hall in December 2025. Brutus suffered a medical emergency and died of suspected natural causes, according to federal officials. Both men are among more than 50 detainees who have died in ICE custody since President Donald Trump returned to office last year and intensified efforts toward mass deportations.
Rising Toll in Immigration Detention
The number of detainees who have died in custody during 2025 exceeded any year in at least two decades, and preliminary data suggests 2026 may surpass that figure even further. The deaths have raised questions about staffing levels, medical protocols, and policy decisions within the Department of Homeland Security that may be contributing to the increasing mortality rate.
When asked to respond to Maria Cornejo’s account, the Department of Homeland Security directed CNN to ICE’s official statement regarding Lopez-Cornejo’s death. The GEO Group similarly referred inquiries to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE maintained that “Lopez-Cornejo received proper medical care and was seen by medical professionals” while in custody. The agency confirmed that both his family and the consulate of El Salvador in Elizabeth, New Jersey, were notified of his passing.
“ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments,” the agency stated in its official release. The official cause of death remains pending further medical examination, federal officials noted.
As the family continues to seek answers, the case has reignited calls for systemic reform within the immigration detention system. Advocates point to the pattern of deaths at Delaney Hall and other facilities as evidence that structural changes are needed to protect the health and dignity of those held in federal custody. The outcome of the family’s demands for an independent investigation and potential closure of the facility could have lasting implications for how immigration detention is managed in New Jersey and beyond.
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