Second detainee dies at Delaney Hall in eight months as officials seek answers
Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a Plainfield resident with chronic health conditions, died while held by ICE at the Newark facility.
Officials confirmed Monday night that another person has died while in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Delaney Hall in Newark. The deceased was identified as Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a native of El Salvador who resided in Plainfield before his arrest on June 18.
This marks the second death of a detainee at the privately-run facility within an eight-month period, according to local reporting from Montclair Local News. State and city elected officials have immediately begun demanding answers as scrutiny over conditions at the center intensifies.
Questions residents are asking
Who was Edwin Lopez-Cornejo and what were his health conditions?
He was a native of El Salvador living in Plainfield who had chronic issues including focal epilepsy, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Family members claim he was denied medication for diabetes while detained.
How many people have died at Delaney Hall recently?
This is the second death of a detainee in ICE custody at the facility within an eight-month period, according to officials and local news reports. The previous fatality occurred earlier this year.
What did ICE say about his medical treatment?
ICE stated that Lopez-Cornejo received proper medical care and was seen by professionals while in custody. This contradicts family claims that he was denied necessary medication for his conditions.
Sources
- Second Person Dies In ICE Custody At Delaney Hall In 8 Months, Officials Say (montclairlocal.news)
- Sherrill, N.J. lawmakers demand answers after Delaney Hall detainee dies (newjerseyglobe.com)
- Another death at NJ's Delaney Hall has leaders demanding answers (nj1015.com)
- Watson Coleman Statement on Death of Detainee at Delaney Hall (insidernj.com)