ICE faces scrutiny after migrant's death at New Jersey detention center

A 41-year-old Salvadoran migrant, Edwin López Cornejo, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a detention center in New Jersey. His family is alleging medical negligence, claiming he did not receive proper care for diabetes, hypertension, and focal epilepsy during his detention.

Cornejo, who had lived in the U.S. for 20 years, was detained on July 18 and transferred to Delaney Hall pending deportation. ICE stated that an immigration judge had ordered his deportation in 2006, and he had re-entered the U.S. at an unknown date. The agency also noted that detention center staff performed resuscitation efforts and called 911 when he collapsed on August 1, after complaining of dizziness and fatigue.

However, his mother, María Cornejo, asserts that her son's heart had already stopped before he reached the hospital, suggesting the critical event occurred within the detention center. She stated that hospital personnel informed her his heart was no longer beating upon arrival.

In response to the death and the family's accusations, organizations like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and Mami Chelo are demanding an independent investigation into cases involving detainees with serious medical needs. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has also called for the closure of the Delaney Hall detention center, calling the death a "reminder" to do so.