Three of four illegal immigrants who escaped from Newark, New Jersey’s ICE detention facility have been recaptured, while the fourth, Andres Pineda-Mogollon, remains at large. The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The escapees, described as ‘public safety threats,’ broke out of Delaney Hall, a privately run ICE detention facility, on the evening of June 12. The incident occurred following a protest where a group of demonstrators blocked an SUV from exiting an auxiliary gate at the facility, forcing it to back into the premises.
The three suspects, who are from Honduras, were detained this week, with Pineda-Mogollon still missing. According to the FBI, Pineda-Mogollon, a Colombian national who entered the U.S. in 2023 under a tourist visa and overstayed, had a history of criminal activity, including arrests for larceny and burglary in New York City and Union, New Jersey. His last reported address was in Newark, New Jersey, and he has ties to Queens, New York.
Each of the captured individuals has a documented history of illegal entry into the United States. Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes, who entered illegally in 2021, was arrested in May on charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, who entered as a minor in 2019, was arrested in October for unlawful possession of a handgun and again in February for aggravated assault. Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, who entered in 2022, was arrested in May for burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary.
The escape was reportedly triggered by a disruption in the facility’s routine, with immigration attorney Mustafa Cetin noting that about 50 detainees pushed down a dormitory wall after meals were delayed, leading to aggressive behavior and a violent incident. Cetin stated that the situation was about food and agitation among the detainees, which escalated into physical confrontations.
Following the escape, the facility has increased its security measures, including erecting new barricades, amid clashes with protesters. The Department of Homeland Security has defended the facility’s operations, emphasizing that it provides high-quality services such as around-the-clock medical care, legal and family visitation, and recreational amenities. However, the incident has raised questions about the management of immigration detention facilities and the balance between security and detainee welfare.
The case has sparked broader discussions about the conditions within U.S. immigration detention centers, the legal and ethical implications of such facilities, and the effectiveness of current immigration policies in preventing escapes and ensuring public safety. As the search for Pineda-Mogollon continues, the incident remains a focal point in ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and detainee treatment.