ICE detainee dies at Delaney Hall
By: Hannan Adely
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Jean Wilson Brutus. a 41-yer-old Haiti national who was detained at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, [NJ] died on December 12,[2025] prompting new scrutiny on conditions at the private prison and calls for an independent investigation.
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U.S. customs and Immigration Enforcement said Brutus died from "suspected natural causes" one day after entering the facility, in a statement released six days after his death.
..... "While at Delaney Hall Detention Facility," the agency stated "he experienced a medical emergency and local emergency Medical Services was called. EMS performed lifesaving measures and transported Brutus to Universe Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, and later the hospital pronounced him deceased on December 12." [2025]
..... Brutus showed "no signs of distress during intake nor a medical history of cardiovascular issues," according to ICE.
..... Advocates said ICE failed to meet its own reporting standards that require the agency to publicly report a death in custody within two business days. They raised concerns about what they describe as a pattern of inadequate medical care at the facility, where activists have gathered daily to protest conditions.
..... "When individuals are detained, the government assumes full responsibility for their safety and well-being," said Sally Pillay, executive director of the Mami Chelo Foundation. "The 'eyes on ICE' activists have been outside daily, and we have seen repeated medical emergencies, delayed care, and now a death at Delaney Hall. This demonstrates a systemic failure, not isolated incidents."
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Brutus had entered the United States illegally on June 20, 2023, according to ICE. The agency said that he obtained parole, a status that allows a non-citizen temporary entry for urgent humanitarian reasons.
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On November 28, 2025, the Elizabeth Police Department arrested Brutus for two counts of criminal mischief related to property damage, according to ICE. the agency said he had prior arrest for criminal mischief.
..... The agency's statement did not offer "real information" about what happened or the care he received, advocates said. ICE is required to publicize reports of in-custody deaths within 90 days.
..... ICE also wrote that :comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout
the entirely of their stay" and that "at no time during detention is a detained alien denied emergency care."
..... The GEO Group, the private prison company that owns Delaney Hall, referred comment to ICE.
..... Delaney Hall - holding 855 detainees as of late November, [2025] according to federal data - has been mired in controversy since its opening in May. [2025]
..... The city of Newark [NJ] sued the GEO Group in April [2025] after it said the company failed to obtain city permits, refused city inspectors, and allegedly violated local codes for renovations, which the company argued it does not need as a federal government contractor.
..... In June, [2025] detainees rioted over what they called inadequate food and other conditions. Four detainees escaped during the unrest, breaking through a drywall section to get outside. all were eventually captured within weeks.
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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said Brutus' death was "distressing" and "brings up a host of disturbing questions."
..... "Newark's [NJ] documented history of Geo Group and ICE's complete lack of transparency, and their demonstrated disregard of laws that ensure the safety and well-being of the detainees, tempts some disgusting speculation on the immorality of stripping human beings of there nnate dignity," Baraka said.
..... "I extend my condolences to his grieving family and loved ones. They have my heart."