U.S. immigration officials stated that the death of a Guatemalan man who experienced a seizure at a New Jersey detention center was not publicly disclosed because the agency was not notified of his death after he was taken to a hospital. Jose Chajon-Raxon suffered a seizure on July 19, one day after his arrival at Delaney Hall, a private detention facility in Newark.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials confirmed that Chajon-Raxon was transported to a hospital and subsequently released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on July 22. The department has not provided details on the events following his hospital admission, the date of his death, or whether he was released from the hospital prior to his passing.
A statement from DHS explained that once an individual is no longer in ICE custody, the agency's responsibility for monitoring or reviewing deaths that may occur ceases. This aligns with a policy adjustment implemented earlier this year, which discontinues the reporting of deaths occurring within 30 days of an individual's release from custody. This change revokes a policy that was established by the Biden administration in 2021.
U.S. Representative Rob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, has voiced concerns that this policy modification creates a "loophole" allowing the agency to avoid responsibility for investigating deaths after releasing individuals. Menendez, who has made regular visits to Delaney Hall, stated that the agency might "claim it has no responsibility to investigate their death or inform Congress and the public."
DHS, however, asserted in its statement that ICE "remains committed to transparency regarding detainee deaths."
Chajon-Roxon's death initially came to light last week when it was revealed by Menendez, following the death of another detainee in early August. Menendez had previously informed reporters that ICE had granted a detainee "discretionary release" from custody after the individual was hospitalized and lost consciousness, with the detainee dying shortly thereafter. At that time, the identity of the individual was not disclosed.
In recent months, Delaney Hall has been the focal point of significant protests by immigration advocates, with demonstrators occasionally obstructing vehicle access to the facility. Reports indicate that some individuals detained at the jail participated in a hunger strike earlier this year to protest conditions, according to the immigrant advocacy group Cosecha. The facility is operated by Geo Group, a private contractor managing numerous detention centers nationwide. Geo Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment.