Overview
- Edwin López‑Cornejo, a 39‑year‑old Salvadoran held at Delaney Hall, suffered a medical emergency and was pronounced dead at University Hospital after being transported from the Newark facility on Aug. 1.
- His attorney filed a habeas petition on July 24 saying López‑Cornejo had epilepsy and high blood pressure and requested release or guaranteed continuity of his medication during transfers.
- Family members and advocates say staff at Delaney Hall withheld or failed to provide needed medications for diabetes and high blood pressure, allegations that have driven vigils and protests outside the privately run center.
- Rep. Rob Menendez reported a possible third recent death tied to Delaney Hall during an oversight visit, a claim Homeland Security disputes while the DHS Office of Inspector General has opened an evaluation of detention conditions.
- Delaney Hall is operated by private contractor GEO Group and has a record of hunger strikes, inspection disputes and lawsuits over care, and this latest death adds to a national rise in deaths in ICE custody that could spur more legal challenges and tighter oversight.