Cory Booker Calls for Closure of Delaney Hall ICE Facility

U.S. Senator Cory Booker is calling for the immediate passage of the Delaney Hall Closure Act, which would shut down the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, within 90 days. The legislative push follows reports of three deaths connected to the center.

U.S. Representative Rob Menendez revealed the third death during an unannounced oversight visit. The individual reportedly suffered a seizure during intake two weeks ago and died at a hospital after being released from custody. Menendez criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for failing to report the death, noting that the agency claims the individual was no longer in their custody at the time of passing.

This incident follows the death of 39-year-old Edwin Lopez-Cornejo. While federal authorities maintain that Lopez-Cornejo died after being transported from the facility, his family believes he died before reaching the hospital. Booker stated that the agency is out of excuses and that the government is out of time regarding the facility's operations.