The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disclosed the identities of four migrants who fled a Newark ICE detention facility on Thursday night, classifying them as ‘public safety threats’ who remain at large. The agency is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. The escaped individuals have prior felony convictions, including aggravated assault and possession of firearms.
The four individuals, identified as Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes and Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez from Honduras, as well as Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada and Andres Pineda-Mogollon from Colombia, have all been previously arrested for violent offenses. Bautista-Reyes was arrested in 2021 under the Biden administration, with a subsequent incident involving him and a weapon in 2023. Sandoval-Lopez was arrested in 2019 and again for possession of a gun and assault in 2023. Castaneda-Lozada faced burglary and theft charges in 2023, while Pineda-Mogollon overstayed his tourist visa and was arrested for larceny and burglary in New York City.
The escape from Delaney Hall, a privately run ICE detention facility, occurred amid chaotic scenes both inside and outside the facility. According to immigration attorney Mustafa Cetin, detainees reportedly began tearing down a dormitory wall after becoming agitated over delayed meals. Cetin described the incident as a result of food-related tensions, with one detainee noting the wall was not very strong and that gas was smelled during the disturbance. The event led to a significant police presence, with dozens of officers from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and Newark Police responding to the situation.
Despite allegations of unrest, DHS maintained that the facility continues to provide essential services, including around-the-clock medical care, legal access, and recreational amenities. The agency contested claims of widespread chaos, stating the facility remains committed to upholding high standards of care. A senior DHS official confirmed the escape and emphasized the importance of public assistance in locating the fugitives, with a bulletin disseminated to law enforcement partners.
The incident has sparked political discourse, with some critics attributing the escape to systemic issues within immigration enforcement. Despite the official denial of widespread unrest, the event highlights the ongoing challenges of managing detention facilities and ensuring the safety of both detainees and the public. Authorities are urging the public to report any information about the four escapees, stressing the critical need to bring them to justice.