Rep. Watson Coleman Demands Immediate Action Following Death and Medical Neglect at Delaney Hall Detention Center
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), along with four of her Democratic colleagues from New Jersey, sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and ICE Acting Director David Venturella demanding answers regarding the death of Edwin Lopez Cornejo and the severe medical neglect of Amro Sehaim, both of whom were held in ICE custody at Delany Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Mr. Lopez Cornejo passed away on August 1st after repeatedly raising concerns about his health. He collapsed while attempting to seek medical treatment, and EMS transported him to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His family reports they learned of his death from the hospital and have yet to be contacted by ICE. Mr. Lopez Cornejo was 39 years old and leaves behind a young daughter.
The letter also raises serious concerns about the treatment of Mr. Amro Sehaim, who has been detained at Delaney Hall since December 2025. Mr. Sehaim is a cancer patient whose diagnosis and pre-existing conditions are known to ICE, yet he has been denied consistent medical treatment, medication, and access to necessary appointments. He reports being coerced by staff into signing documents stating he refused care, and his condition continues to worsen while vital treatment is withheld. The Congresswoman supplemented her letter with over 300 pages of medical documentation detailing the seriousness of Mr. Sehaim’s condition and the severe decline of his health, underscoring the depth of neglect at this facility and the need for immediate federal intervention.
Congresswoman Watson Coleman continues to demand transparency from DHS and ICE, including the full timeline of events leading to Mr. Lopez Cornejo’s medical emergency, details on his medical care at Delaney Hall, and clarity on whether he was released from custody during a medical crisis, and an independent medical evaluation for Mr. Sehaim at University Hospital or another facility unconnected to Delaney Hall.
The letter was signed by Reps. Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Analilia Mejia (NJ-11). It can be read here.