NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) — An immigrant detainee in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement passed away on Friday, Dec. 12, according to the agency.
The agency announced his death publicly online one week later, on Dec. 18.
ICE identified the detainee as Jean Wilson Brutus, a 41-year-old from Haiti.
The detainee was being held at the infamous Delaney Hall in New Jersey when he suffered a medical episode and died at a hospital, according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
“The announcement of Jean Wilson Brutus having a medical emergency while detained at Delaney Hall and then passing away at the hospital is distressing, and brings up a host of disturbing questions,” Baraka wrote in a statement. “I didn’t know Mr. Brutus, nor do I know the circumstances of his death, but I do know the pain of losing a loved one. I extend my condolences to his grieving family and loved ones. They have my heart.”
In an online posting, ICE said Brutus was a “criminal illegal alien” who is expected to have died of natural causes.
ICE custody
Brutus entered ICE custody on Dec. 11 after being released from jail following an arrest for criminal mischief, according to a public death notification. ICE alleges Brutus had multiple prior arrests for criminal trespassing.
Medical episode
Brutus experienced a medical emergency on Friday, Dec. 12. Emergency Medical Services was called and performed life-saving measures. EMS transported Brutus to University Hospital in Newark, where he was later pronounced dead, officials said.
Brutus had no signs of distress during intake nor a medical history of cardiovascular issues, ICE said.
Public reaction
Since the announcement of Brutus’ death, Congresswoman Rep. La Monica McIver, along with immigration advocates, has called for accountability.
“We think there should be an investigation on that, and we shouldn’t take ICE at their word,” said immigration advocate Melissa Munoz. “We’ve heard many cases of there being a lack of response when persons inside, community members inside, did not receive the medical care they needed in time, that there’s medical neglect and lack of nutrition.”
A campaign strategist had this to say: “We mourn the loss of Jean Wilson Brutus’ life at Delaney Hall. This tragedy is another devastating example of people dying in ICE custody while being detained in deplorable conditions,” said Ami Kachalia, Campaign Strategist at ACLU-NJ. “ Just last night, four deaths were reported at immigration facilities across the country, signaling an alarming pattern of nationwide cruelty. This should not happen. We demand answers, accountability from ICE, and an end to immigration detention once and for all.”
According to the DHS Appropriations Act of 2018, ICE must publicly release death reports within 90 days; you can find deaths listed here.