September 18, 2026

Rep. Watson Coleman Sends Follow-up Letter to DHS Secretary Demanding Information on the Status of Sick Constituent at Delaney Hall

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella demanding answers on the investigation into the death of Edwin Jovanny Lopez Cornejo and the status of detainee Amro Sehaim.

The letter comes after the Department failed to respond to an inquiry sent by the Congresswoman and several members of the New Jersey Delegation on August 7th calling for answers surrounding the death of Lopez Cornejo and demanding the immediate humanitarian release of Amro Sehaim, an Egyptian national and small business owner in the 12th District who, before his detention, was undergoing treatment for cancer.

The letter reads in part:

Individuals in your custody are your responsibility. The shocking number of deaths within ICE custody, including Mr. Lopez Cornejo’s, is appalling and unforgivable. The conditions in ICE detention facilities across the country are atrocious and bring shame to your Department, this Administration, and our nation.

The September 17th letter demands detailed explanations as to the conditions that led to the death of Mr. Lopez Cornejo and of the actions being taken to provide Mr. Sehaim with adequate, independent medical care.

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