A 41-year-old Salvadoran national, Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, died in federal custody on August 1 after suffering a medical emergency while detained at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on August 5.
Lopez-Cornejo was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead. The official cause of death remains pending a formal medical examination, according to ICE.
Arrest and Deportation History
Lopez-Cornejo was first apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol for entering the U.S. without inspection on August 13, 2006. An immigration judge ordered his removal on August 25, 2006, and he was deported to El Salvador on October 19, 2006. He later re-entered the U.S. illegally before being arrested by ICE officers in Plainfield, New Jersey, on June 18. He was held at Delaney Hall pending removal under the reinstatement of his prior removal order.
Response from Officials and Advocates
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued a statement expressing distress over the death. "My heart is with the individual's loved ones, who deserve answers about what happened," she said. "My administration is working to ensure transparency and accountability."
Family members, including Lopez-Cornejo’s mother, Maria Cornejo, described him as a devoted father of a 12-year-old girl. She reported receiving a call from the hospital stating her son had been brought in deceased and was asked to identify him.
Facility and Medical Response
Delaney Hall is operated by the GEO Group, a private detention company. ICE stated that medical personnel and facility staff responded to the emergency and called 911. The agency also noted that Lopez-Cornejo received proper medical care during his detention.
ICE notified the Department of Homeland Security oversight offices, the Consulate of El Salvador, and Lopez-Cornejo’s next of kin.
Background on Delaney Hall
Delaney Hall has faced scrutiny in recent months, with protesters gathering outside the facility over conditions inside. In late May, New Jersey State Police used force to disperse protesters, including the use of pepper spray and non-lethal munitions. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka had previously withdrawn Newark Police from the area amid the demonstrations.