Family of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo Demands Independent Investigation into Death at Newark Detention Center
The family of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a 39-year-old Salvadoran man, is demanding an independent investigation into his death while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Lopez-Cornejo died on August 1 at a privately operated detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, after suffering a medical emergency. While federal authorities state that staff responded immediately to the emergency, the family alleges medical negligence regarding his high blood pressure, diabetes, and seizures. They argue that the Lopez-Cornejo family was not notified of his condition until he collapsed, and that he was denied proper medication for his chronic conditions. The administration announced that ICE is committed to providing safe and humane environments for all detainees. However, community advocates and state leaders, including Governor Mikie Sherrill, have called for the closure of the facility. The death of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo marks the second time a migrant has died at the facility in less than a year. The family is seeking the release of all medical records and full accountability for the preventable death.