US, Aug 04 : The death of a 41 year old Salvadoran national at a New Jersey immigration detention centre has intensified concerns over healthcare and living conditions inside the facility, prompting renewed demands for accountability from lawmakers and immigrant rights organisations.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Edwin Lopez-Cornejo died on August 2 while being held at Delaney Hall in Newark. Lopez-Cornejo had been detained since June 18 after authorities alleged that he had entered the United States without legal authorisation. Officials said the exact cause of death will be determined after a medical examination is completed.
According to ICE, the detainee received medical attention during his time in custody and was examined by healthcare professionals. The agency maintained that appropriate care had been provided before his death.
The incident has triggered criticism from Democratic leaders in New Jersey, who have questioned whether adequate medical services and living conditions are available to detainees. US Senator Cory Booker called for the permanent closure of Delaney Hall, saying previous visits to the facility had left him concerned about the conditions inside.
The latest fatality marks the second reported death at Delaney Hall since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Earlier, Haitian national Jean Wilson Brutus died after collapsing inside the detention centre, with medical authorities later attributing the death to natural causes caused by a pulmonary blockage.
Data compiled by media organisations indicate that more than 50 individuals have died while in ICE custody during Trump’s current term, placing renewed focus on detention policies and inmate welfare across the immigration system.
Immigrant advocacy groups have repeatedly alleged that detainees at Delaney Hall face inadequate medical care, limited access to prescribed medication, and difficult living conditions. Earlier this year, several detainees reportedly staged a hunger strike to draw attention to their concerns, although federal officials denied reports of widespread mistreatment.
The Newark facility has also become a focal point for demonstrations against the administration’s immigration enforcement policies, with activists organising protests outside the centre in recent months.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said state officials are gathering more information about the circumstances surrounding the death while continuing efforts to conduct a comprehensive health inspection of the detention facility. She expressed concern that obstacles to state oversight raise further questions about operations inside the centre.
Delaney Hall is operated by private prison contractor Geo Group, which manages several immigration detention facilities across the United States. The company had not issued a public response regarding the incident at the time of reporting.