Civil and Human Rights Organizations Demand Justice for

Detainee for Died While in Custody of ICE

Kearny, NJ – June 26, 2017 – The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJIAJ) and its member organizations will protest on Monday outside of the Hudson County Correctional Facility to demand justice for Rolando Meza Espinoza, who died while in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 10 due to internal bleeding. The advocacy groups claim that Espinoza’s death could have been preventable had he received the adequate medical treatment needed to treat his chronic illness.

According to family members, Espinoza informed ICE agents several times that he suffered from Anemia and Cirrhosis, but never received the medications needed to treat his illness. According to sources, Espinoza was bleeding so severely, ICE agents had to transport Espinoza to the hospital while wearing a diaper. Espinoza was admitted to Jersey City Medical Center’s intensive care unit on June 8 and died on June 10. The family found out about his death after calling the hospital to check on him.

NJAIJ is calling for justice for Espinosa’s family, including the three children he leaves behind. The organization believes Espinoza’s death is an example of ICE’s disregard for civil rights and the constitution as well as the horrible conditions at Hudson County Jail. On Monday, June 26, the NJAIJ will be joined by dozens of civil rights groups to call on the Hudson County leadership to end their contract with ICE. Furthermore, they will demand that a true independent oversight committee is established to ensure proper and adequate medical treatment is provided to each person who is arrested by the agency.

Important note: Rolando Meza Espinoza was initially detained after being mistaken for another person. ICE announced his death using an alias, showing grave lack of disregard to the family.

What: Civil and Human Rights Organizations Rally to Bring Justice to Detainee who Died While in Custody of ICE

Who: Civil rights groups: The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, American Friends Service Committee, First Friends of NY/NJ, ACLU of NJ, Faith in NJ, Make the Road NJ, Hudson County Action, and Legal Aid Society. Espinoza’s attorney and family members will also be present.

Date:    Monday, June 26, 2017  

Time:    6:00 PM

Where: Hudson County Correctional Facility, 30-35 Hackensack Avenue Kearny, NJ, 07032