A vigil was held at an ICE detention center in Newark after the death of an immigrant, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY. The station reported that it was the second detainee death at the controversial Delaney Hall facility.
The vigil remembered Edwin Giovanni Lopez Cornejo of Plainfield, who died in ICE custody at Delaney Hall on Saturday, the station reported. Eyewitness News ABC7NY said state and local leaders and concerned advocates are demanding an investigation into the death.
Speaking at the vigil, advocates said they want the facility to be held accountable, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY. One told the station that workers inside had to know the man was not feeling well, and that failing to act was inhumane.
The family says the father had been in the United States for 20 years, the station reported. The Department of Homeland Security, however, says he was undocumented from El Salvador, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY.
He had been held at Delaney Hall since his arrest in June, the station reported. Eyewitness News ABC7NY said advocates believe his health deteriorated during that time in custody.
Advocates say he told his mother on Friday that he had not gotten his medication for diabetes and high blood pressure, according to Eyewitness News ABC7NY. The station reported that his mother was very concerned and tried to speak out, asking that her son be given his medication, but that nobody was answering the phone at the facility.
The vigil also acknowledged others who died or suffered because of ICE crackdowns, the station reported. Eyewitness News ABC7NY said the frequent protests at Delaney Hall were filled with more frustration and outrage over concern that other detainees held inside may be in need of medical help.