A 41-year-old man from El Salvador has died in an immigration detention center in New Jersey, marking the 23rd death in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody this year. His passing has ignited protests and calls for investigation into the facility’s conditions.

The man was pronounced dead at a Newark hospital after suffering a medical emergency while in custody at the Delaney Hall detention center. He had been apprehended in June for entering the United States without authorization and was reportedly receiving medical care at the facility prior to his death. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.

Following the announcement of his death, a group of protesters gathered outside the detention center, expressing their grief and anger. The deceased man’s mother shared her pain, stating, ‘I don’t know how to overcome this pain,’ highlighting the emotional toll on families affected by immigration enforcement.

Delaney Hall, a privately operated facility, has faced criticism for its treatment of detainees, with allegations of poor living conditions and inadequate healthcare. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill expressed her deep concern over the incident and called for an investigation, emphasizing that this tragedy underscores the need for the facility’s closure. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka echoed these sentiments, pointing out the severe consequences of prolonged detention in such facilities.