Family Seeks Justice After Asylum Seeker's Mysterious Death in ICE Custody
The grieving family of a Haitian asylum seeker who died under mysterious circumstances while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody is demanding urgent answers and transparency from federal authorities. Jean Wilson Brutus, a 41-year-old New Jersey resident described by relatives as "perfectly healthy", passed away less than 24 hours after being detained at a controversial privately-run facility in Newark.
Sudden Detention and Tragic Outcome
According to official accounts, Brutus was apprehended by ICE agents on December 11 and transported to Delaney Hall, a detention facility operated by the GEO Group under a substantial government contract. Within a single day of his arrival, Brutus experienced what ICE termed a "medical emergency" and was rushed to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead the following day.
In a statement that has drawn criticism from advocates, ICE attributed the death to "natural causes" while simultaneously noting that Brutus displayed "no signs of distress during intake nor a medical history of cardiovascular issues." The agency's initial press release controversially labelled Brutus a "criminal illegal alien" while detailing minor prior arrests for trespassing and mischief.
Family Left in the Dark
Perhaps most distressing to Brutus's relatives is how they learned of his fate. Family attorney Oliver Barry revealed in an exclusive interview that the family only discovered Brutus had been taken into ICE custody when they received official notification of his death. "And that's quite a call to get," Barry told The Independent.
Brutus, known affectionately as Wilson to friends and family, had fled Haiti to escape political instability and gang violence, seeking asylum in the United States. His cousin Evans Belony described him as "a kind and gentle soul who was always there when someone needed help" who came to America "in search of safety, stability, and the American Dream."
Facility Under Scrutiny
Delaney Hall has become a flashpoint for controversy since reopening last year under a $1 billion, 15-year contract with GEO Group. The facility singlehandedly quadrupled ICE's detention capacity in New Jersey according to ACLU estimates, but has faced numerous complaints about conditions including:
- Inedible food and undrinkable water
- Lack of basic hygiene supplies including toothpaste and toilet paper
- Inadequate winter clothing for detainees
Brutus represents the first detainee death at Delaney Hall since its reopening, occurring amid a broader national crisis in immigration detention. Official data reveals that 2025 was the deadliest year for ICE custody in over two decades, with at least 31 fatalities recorded.
Political Reactions and Investigation
The case has drawn significant political attention in New Jersey. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested last year while attempting to conduct an oversight visit at Delaney Hall, has been vocal about detention conditions. Representative LaMonica McIver has demanded accountability, stating the administration had "shown a complete disregard for human rights, human dignity, and human life." Senator Cory Booker expressed being "deeply concerned" about the situation.
The family has retained civil rights attorneys Oliver Barry and former Toms River mayor Joseph Champagne Jr. to investigate Brutus's death. Their efforts currently include:
- Awaiting results of an independent autopsy
- Submitting multiple public records requests
- Sending evidence preservation letters to all involved parties
- Identifying potential witnesses to the events
Broader Context of Immigration Detention
This tragic case unfolds against the backdrop of America's expansive immigration detention system, which currently holds over 65,000 people in civil detention—more than any other nation worldwide. The first month of 2026 has already seen at least six detainee deaths in ICE custody, alongside two civilian fatalities involving immigration authorities.
Despite ICE's stated commitment to "ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments," Brutus's family remains unconvinced. "What they do know is that a perfectly healthy 41-year-old does not enter a safe, properly and professionally run detention facility and within less than a day is in a body bag," Barry stated emphatically.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by Belony to cover funeral and burial expenses has raised approximately $13,000 toward its $50,000 goal, describing Brutus as someone "rich in heart" who was "known for always helping with his hands and expecting nothing in return."
In his emotional statement, Belony made clear the family's determination: "His story cannot end here. His life mattered. And we are committed to finding out what happened to him, not just for our family but for everyone in our country living in fear."
