New Jersey immigrant called his mom from ICE detention to say he was sick. He died the next day
Tragedy at Delaney Hall: Salvadoran Father Dies After Calling Family to Report Illness
Healfromzero.com – A Salvadoran father has passed away while confined at a privately operated immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, intensifying scrutiny of conditions within the facility. Edwin Lopez-Cornejo was declared dead on Saturday at University Hospital following a medical emergency that occurred while he was in custody. His death adds to growing concerns about detainee welfare at Delaney Hall, a facility that has faced repeated criticism for overcrowding and inadequate medical attention.
The timeline of events paints a heartbreaking picture of a man who tried to reassure his family before succumbing to his condition. On Friday, August 1, Lopez-Cornejo placed a phone call to his mother, Maria Cornejo, to report that he was unwell. He described symptoms including numbness in part of his face and one of his hands. According to Maria Cornejo, he mentioned that a doctor was scheduled to visit and would arrange for medical tests. She was expecting another call from her son on Saturday afternoon when the phone rang unexpectedly.
“This pain. I will never heal from it. This pain is irreparable,” Maria Cornejo said after learning the news.
Instead of her son’s voice, she heard from University Hospital in Newark. The medical facility informed her that Lopez-Cornejo had suffered a medical emergency at Delaney Hall. By the time emergency responders transported him to the hospital, his heart had already stopped beating. The official cause of death is still pending additional medical examination, federal officials confirmed.
A Daughter’s Loss and a Mother’s Plea
Lopez-Cornejo’s twelve-year-old daughter spoke emotionally at a news conference on Tuesday, expressing her grief over losing her father while he was detained. She revealed that she had been unable to visit him at Delaney Hall during his confinement. “I’m going to grow up without a father. They didn’t even let him see me one last time before he died,” she said through tears. The young girl also made a broader statement about immigration: “No one here is illegal. Everyone here should feel welcomed, not seen as criminals.”
Maria Cornejo addressed the gathering in Spanish, with a translator conveying her words to English-speaking attendees. She demanded justice for her son, her granddaughter, and what she described as immigrants who have been “hunted down like criminals by ICE.” The family has requested an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lopez-Cornejo’s death, along with full access to all medical records connected to his case.
Medical Conditions and Detention Conditions
According to Maria Cornejo, her son was managing several serious health conditions while detained. He suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, and epilepsy. Despite these conditions, she stated that he was not receiving the medication he required. During his six weeks at Delaney Hall, Lopez-Cornejo reportedly lost approximately thirty pounds, a weight loss that concerned his family.
The mother also described the living conditions her son endured. He was housed in a crowded cell containing roughly ten detainees who shared a single open toilet. These details have fueled calls for improved conditions at the facility.
Broader Context of Detention Deaths
Lopez-Cornejo’s death follows another tragic incident at Delaney Hall. In December 2025, Jean Wilson Brutus, a forty-one-year-old migrant, died within twenty-four hours of arriving at the same facility. Brutus experienced a medical emergency and died of suspected natural causes, according to federal authorities.
These two cases represent part of a larger pattern. More than fifty ICE detainees have died since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and initiated expanded deportation efforts. Data indicates that 2025 recorded the highest number of detainee deaths in at least twenty years, and preliminary figures suggest 2026 may surpass that record.
Family Demands and Official Responses
Beyond seeking an investigation into Lopez-Cornejo’s death, the family has called for the closure of Delaney Hall entirely. They are urging the release of all detainees, particularly those with medical vulnerabilities. The family has also asked New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to launch an investigation into what they characterize as a health crisis within the detention center.
When contacted about Maria Cornejo’s account, the Department of Homeland Security directed questions to ICE’s official statement. The GEO Group, which operates Delaney Hall, similarly referred inquiries to immigration authorities. ICE maintained that Lopez-Cornejo received appropriate medical care and was examined by medical professionals while in custody. The agency confirmed that both the family and the Salvadoran consulate in Elizabeth, New Jersey, were notified of his passing.
“ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments,” the agency stated.
Delaney Hall has been the focus of public attention for months. The privately owned facility experienced days of protests earlier this year after allegations of inhumane conditions emerged. Those demonstrations led to clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators, ultimately prompting Newark’s mayor to impose a temporary curfew. The facility’s reputation for overcrowding and medical neglect continues to draw criticism from immigrant advocates and local officials alike.
As the family awaits an independent investigation, Lopez-Cornejo’s case has become a symbol of the challenges facing immigrants detained under current policies. His story, like that of Jean Wilson Brutus before him, raises questions about whether the detention system is adequately protecting the health and safety of those held within its walls.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Jersey immigrant called his mom?
New Jersey immigrant called his mom is the main topic of this guide. The article explains the context, practical details, and next steps readers should understand.
Why does New Jersey immigrant called his mom matter?
New Jersey immigrant called his mom matters because readers are looking for a useful answer, not just a short summary. Good content should match search intent and help them decide what to do next.