A 41-year-old Salvadoran migrant named Edwin Lopez-Cornejo died after experiencing a medical emergency while detained at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed. According to a statement obtained by The Hill’s sister network NewsNation, Lopez-Cornejo was pronounced deceased on August 1 by medical personnel at University Hospital in Newark.

ICE stated that the official cause of death is pending further medical examination. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka expressed sorrow over the loss, calling it a "heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of a facility that has operated for far too long without adequate oversight, accountability or transparency." Baraka noted that "yet another family is forced to endure the unimaginable loss of a loved one while in custody at Delaney Hall."

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill also commented on the death, saying she was "deeply disturbed to hear" about it and emphasized that the individual’s loved ones deserve answers.

Two months prior, New Jersey filed a lawsuit against the private operator of Delaney Hall, The GEO Group, alleging that the state health department was denied access to inspect the facility amid accusations of unclean conditions and inadequate treatment of detainees. The lawsuit, filed in Essex County Superior Court, sought immediate entry for the New Jersey Department of Health to conduct a full inspection.

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