Family of man who died in ICE detention in New Jersey alleges medical negligence in custody

The family of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, an immigrant from El Salvador who died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, has alleged medical negligence and demanded an independent investigation into his death. Lopez-Cornejo was pronounced dead on Saturday at the Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey after experiencing what ICE described as a medical emergency.

At a press conference, Lopez-Cornejo's family stated he suffered from serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and epilepsy, and required regular medication. His mother, Maria Cornejo, tearfully recounted his last call, during which he reported losing feeling in half his face and arm. "My son needed medical attention, and he did not receive it," she said in Spanish. His 12-year-old daughter also claimed he was denied medication and had lost significant weight while detained.

ICE issued a statement asserting that Lopez-Cornejo received proper medical care and was attended to by medical professionals. The agency stated that facility staff responded immediately to his medical emergency and called 911. The official cause of death is pending further medical examination. ICE reiterated this position when asked for comment on the family's allegations.

Lopez-Cornejo's death occurs amid heightened scrutiny of conditions within U.S. immigration detention facilities. Rights groups have consistently raised concerns about the quality of medical care and living conditions in these centers. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also commented, stating her administration continues to face "obstruction" in its efforts to conduct a full health inspection of the Delaney Hall facility.

“

My son needed medical attention, and he did not receive it.