Latino immigrant dies in ICE custody in New Jersey; mother alleges negligence

Edwin López Cornejo, a Latino immigrant who had resided in the United States for two decades, died on Saturday while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey. His mother, María Cornejo, confirmed his death on Monday, expressing deep concern over the circumstances.

According to a video shared by the migrant support organization Cosecha New Jersey, the victim's mother stated that her son had called her the previous Friday, reporting that part of his face and right hand had gone numb. These were the symptoms he experienced shortly before his death.

López Cornejo, who had a daughter and was receiving treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure, and seizures, was transferred from Delaney Hall to a nearby hospital. Hospital medical staff contacted his mother, as she was listed as his emergency contact. They informed her that López Cornejo arrived at the hospital without vital signs.

His mother accused the detention facility's administration of medical negligence, asserting that they failed to provide him with the necessary medication for his pre-existing conditions. "That's why I say it was at the detention center, because when they took him to the hospital, his heart was no longer beating," she stated. As of Monday, neither she nor the legal representation for the case had received official notification or explanation from ICE regarding the circumstances of his death. López Cornejo was arrested by federal agents on June 18 while en route to work. This incident marks one of over 20 deaths reported in ICE custody this year, occurring amidst recent changes to the agency's internal policies on disclosing deaths of individuals recently released from custody.