Family demands answers after ICE detainee’s death in New Jersey

A New Jersey family is demanding answers after a 41‑year‑old Haitian man died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. ICE confirmed that Jean Wilson Brutus died Dec. 12 after what officials called “a medical emergency.”

New Jersey Ice Detainee, Haitian Asylum Seeker Dies After Reported Medical Emergency

In an exclusive interview with NBC 4 News, family members say he entered custody healthy. They insist he had no known medical conditions. “He did not have any medical conditions previously and he entered into ICE custody healthy,” his cousin, Belony, told the outlet.

Detention Facility Already Under Scrutiny

The Delaney Hall immigration facility in Newark has drawn repeated criticism this year. In May, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested there on a trespassing charge and released shortly after.

Baraka released a statement calling Brutus’ death “distressing, and bringing up a host of disturbing questions.”

Advocates Call for Transparency and Closure in New Jersey Ice Detainee’s Death

On Saturday, News 4 captured advocates gathered outside Delaney Hall. They held signs demanding the facility’s closure. They also called for accountability. “We do want transparency, we do want accountability, we do want justice,” Belony said.

ICE released a statement describing the incident. Officials said Brutus “experienced a medical emergency” at the facility. Staff called local Emergency Medical Services. EMS attempted life‑saving measures and transported him to University Hospital in Newark. The hospital later pronounced him dead.

ICE added that Brutus showed “no signs of distress during intake” and had “no medical history of cardiovascular issues.”

Questions Surround Jean Wilson Brutus’ Arrest History and Custody

ICE said Brutus was taken into custody after his release from the Union County jail in Elizabeth. He had been arrested on a criminal mischief charge involving property damage. Federal officials also said he had prior arrests for criminal trespassing.

Belony vehemently disputed that the family knew about any previous arrests. “In terms of the prior arrests, we didn’t know anything,” he told News 4.

Family Says Brutus Came Seeking Safety

ICE records show Brutus entered the United States on June 20, 2023, per NBC News. He was paroled into the country while awaiting immigration proceedings. “He came into the country seeking asylum,” Belony said. “And he was under our care.”

Belony added that Brutus was grieving the recent death of his mother. “He became very depressed and very sad,” he said.

Attorney Says Case Raises Serious Concerns

Family attorney Joseph Makhandal Champagne told the outlet the circumstances demand a full investigation. “The fundamental issue in this case is that Jean Wilson Brutus was taken into ICE custody alive and turned out dead,” he said. “Knowing that he came in alive, knowing that he came in well, without any signs of medical distress or issues.”

Champagne said he and the family are exploring all legal avenues. They want clarity about what happened inside Delaney Hall. They also want to know whether proper medical protocols were followed.

Calls for Accountability Continue to Grow

Advocates say Brutus’ death highlights long‑standing concerns about medical care in immigration detention. They argue that the facility has faced repeated complaints. They also say the public deserves answers.

The family says they will continue pressing for transparency. They want a full accounting of Brutus’ final hours. They also want federal officials to release all available records.

Community groups plan additional demonstrations in the coming days. They say they will keep demanding oversight until they see meaningful change.