Second July death at Delaney Hall fuels calls for facility shutdown
ICE acknowledged a second detainee died in July after release, prompting renewed demands from lawmakers to close the Newark detention center amid growing scrutiny.
Calls to shut down the privately run Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Center have intensified following the Department of Homeland Security's acknowledgment of another death linked to the facility. This marks the second reported death in July and at least the third since late last year, drawing sharp criticism from local officials regarding accountability.
The most recent incident involves Jose Chajon-Raxon, an immigrant from Guatemala who was processed into custody on July 18 according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement records. The following day he experienced seizure-like activity that a nurse treated before reassuring him that he was safe within the facility.
Questions residents are asking
How many deaths have been linked to Delaney Hall recently?
There were two reported deaths in July and at least one more since late last year, making it three confirmed fatalities connected to the facility. One occurred inside the center while another happened shortly after release from custody.
What is ICE's official stance on responsibility for post-release deaths?
ICE states that once an individual leaves their custody, they are no longer responsible for monitoring or reviewing any subsequent deaths. They argue this makes common sense since the person is no longer under federal control.
Is there a state investigation into Delaney Hall?
Yes, New Jersey has launched a civil rights probe into conditions at the privately run facility following multiple deaths. The inquiry seeks to understand if systemic failures contributed to these incidents.
Sources
- Menendez says he has differing accounts of Delaney Hall death (njspotlightnews.org)
- 2nd death linked to Delaney Hall comes as shutdown calls grow (nj1015.com)