Jeffries Urges Closure of ICE Centers After 55 Detainee Deaths in Trump’s 2nd Term
Updated
Updated · morristowngreen.com · Aug 12
Jeffries Urges Closure of ICE Centers After 55 Detainee Deaths in Trump’s 2nd Term
2 articles · Updated · morristowngreen.com · Aug 12
Summary
Hakeem Jeffries used a Morristown appearance to demand Delaney Hall and other ICE detention centers be shut, saying 55 people have died in ICE custody nationwide during Trump’s second term, including three at Newark’s Delaney Hall.
Edwin López-Cornejo, a 41-year-old Salvadoran arrested in June, died at Delaney Hall on Aug. 1; Rep. Rob Menendez said his family alleges medical negligence, while ICE said he received proper care.
Margarita Cielo Balbuena told lawmakers she endured a violent May 23 arrest and two months in harsh conditions at Elizabeth Detention Center, where she said spoiled food and inadequate diabetes medication left detainees suffering.
DHS disputed the Democrats’ account, saying Balbuena and her husband were arrested with warrants, received due process, and that deaths in ICE custody equaled 0.008% of detainees as of May 29.
Jeffries and other Democrats tied the facilities to GEO Group’s for-profit model and broader Trump deportation policies, while the White House said criticism of ICE fuels rising assaults and death threats against officers.