A Guatemalan migrant who had been held at Delaney Hall, New Jersey’s largest immigration detention center in Newark, died after being hospitalized following a medical emergency, federal officials confirmed Thursday. The case has intensified scrutiny of medical care and oversight at the facility.
Sequence of events
The Department of Homeland Security told The Hill that on July 19 a nurse at Delaney Hall was responding to another emergency when she observed Jose Chajon-Raxon exhibiting what DHS described as “seizure-like activity.” Chajon-Raxon, who had been detained the day before, was taken to a hospital shortly afterward.
According to DHS, Chajon-Raxon was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on July 22. He later died while no longer in ICE custody; the department said it was not notified of his death because he was no longer detained.
"While waiting for first responders to arrive, Chajon-Raxon was provided proper medical care from the nurse who reassured him he was safe," a DHS spokesperson said. "The nurse gave a comprehensive report to first responders and Chajon-Raxon was taken to the hospital and released from ICE custody on July 22. ICE was not notified of his death."
The spokesperson added that once an individual has left ICE custody, the agency does not retain responsibility for monitoring or reviewing deaths that may occur afterwards.
Political reaction and calls for accountability
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who has been a vocal critic of Delaney Hall and has urged for its closure, questioned the handling of Chajon-Raxon’s case and the broader pattern of care at the facility. In a post on the social platform X, Kim accused ICE of attempting to evade responsibility and criticized the facility operator.
"ICE cannot simply send a detainee out for medical care and pretend they aren't still on the hook, especially when GEO Group has repeatedly failed to provide care at Delaney Hall," Kim wrote. "I will keep fighting to shut this place down and shine a light on the poor conditions."
Chajon-Raxon’s death was reported as the third death tied to Delaney Hall. It surfaced less than two weeks after the death of a Salvadoran man, Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, whose family said the facility had not provided consistent access to prescribed medications.
What officials say on responsibility
DHS maintained that responsibility for monitoring deaths ends when a person is no longer in ICE custody. The agency characterized the nurse’s response as appropriate and said first responders received a comprehensive handoff when Chajon-Raxon was transported to the hospital.
Advocates and some lawmakers dispute that explanation, arguing that transferring a detained person for medical care does not absolve ICE or facility operators of ongoing accountability, particularly when systemic issues with medical services have been alleged.
- July 18: Chajon-Raxon detained at Delaney Hall (per DHS statement noting he had been detained “the day before” July 19).
- July 19: Nurse observed seizure-like activity; he was taken to a hospital.
- July 22: Chajon-Raxon released from ICE custody.
- After July 22: Chajon-Raxon later died while no longer in custody; DHS said ICE was not notified.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Facility | Delaney Hall, Newark |
| Individual | Jose Chajon-Raxon, Guatemalan national |
| Key dates | Observed July 19; released July 22; death occurred after release |
Local implications
The deaths tied to Delaney Hall have renewed local scrutiny of how detainees’ medical needs are handled at the facility, which is operated under contract by a private company. Critics contend that past incidents and the cluster of recent deaths point to systemic problems that require independent investigation and oversight.
Delaney Hall is New Jersey’s largest immigrant detention center and has been the subject of complaints and legal challenges in recent years. The latest incidents are likely to amplify pressure from elected officials and advocacy groups calling for greater transparency, audits of medical care protocols, and possible changes to how detainees are treated during transfers for outside medical appointments.
Federal officials have framed the matter as one of jurisdictional responsibility once a detainee leaves custody; state and local lawmakers have demanded fuller accounting and oversight. For Newark residents and families with ties to detained migrants, the case underscores continuing concerns about the treatment of people in immigration detention and the mechanisms for ensuring their safety.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor developments, including any statements from ICE, the facility operator, health-care providers involved in the hospital care, and local elected officials pursuing investigations.
