- Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a 41-year-old ICE detainee, died in custody at N.J.'s Delaney Hall after suffering a medical emergency.
- His family alleges he did not receive needed medication for high blood pressure and diabetes while in custody.
- Lopez-Cornejo complained about access to his medications before his death, stating he had lost feeling in half his face and arm.
- The cause of death is currently under investigation by ICE.
- Lopez-Cornejo was originally from El Salvador and had been held at Delaney Hall since his arrest on June 18.
- His family is demanding an independent investigation into his death and the release of his full medical records.
- Delaney Hall has faced scrutiny, with calls from politicians and civil rights groups to close the facility following multiple deaths.
Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a 41-year-old Salvadoran man, died in ICE custody at Delaney Hall, New Jersey, after allegedly not receiving medication for diabetes and high blood pressure. His mother, Maria Cornejo, stated he lost feeling in half his face and arm before his death, indicating a serious health crisis.11011
Lopez-Cornejo's family is demanding an independent investigation into his death, claiming he was denied proper medical care. They are also urging New Jersey's attorney general to look into the circumstances surrounding his treatment. “My son needed medical attention, and he didn’t receive it,” Maria Cornejo said, emphasizing her son's character as a loving father and hardworking man.89
ICE maintains that Lopez-Cornejo received proper medical care while in custody, but the agency has not confirmed whether he was given medication for his conditions. “While in custody, Lopez-Cornejo received proper medical care and was seen by medical professionals,” a DHS spokesperson stated.
Lopez-Cornejo's death is part of a troubling trend, as at least 56 people have died in ICE custody during Trump's second term. Advocates and family members are calling for the closure of Delaney Hall, citing ongoing health crises and previous deaths at the facility. “This is not the first death of a detainee at Delaney Hall,” said Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, urging immediate action.
The facility, operated by Geo Group, has faced scrutiny over its treatment of detainees, with calls for the release of medically vulnerable individuals. “Every effort to block oversight raises serious questions about what is happening inside Delaney Hall,” said New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, highlighting the need for transparency.
“ICE maintains Lopez-Cornejo “received proper medical care and was seen by medical professionals,” while his family is pressing New Jersey's attorney general to open an investigation and demanding release of his full medical records. At least 56 people have died in ICE custody during Trump's second term.”
CBS News
