Four dangerous detainees on the loose after breaking out of Newark’s ICE facility, sparking a broad pursuit.
At a Glance
- Four detainees broke through a wall at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark.
- Their escape aligns with reported disturbances inside the facility due to a meal service delay.
- All escapees have a history of serious criminal offenses.
- A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to their capture.
The Escape and Security Breach
Four detainees escaped from Newark’s Delaney Hall ICE facility by breaking through a drywall with mesh that led to the exterior. Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, and Andres Pineda-Mogollon, described as public safety threats, are being sought by law enforcement. These individuals have previous arrests for offenses such as aggravated assault and unlawful weapon possession.
The escape coincided with disturbances within the facility, allegedly stemming from delayed meal services, which may have exacerbated tensions among detainees. Reports indicate that some detainees had gone without food for nearly 20 hours, substantiating claims of inhumane conditions.
Authorities and Community Reactions
DHS has initiated a manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies to locate these escapees, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to their apprehension. Authorities urge community vigilance emphasized by the call to action to report any leads, reinforcing the potential risk to public safety.
“Additional law enforcement partners have been brought in to find these escapees and a [be on the lookout] has been disseminated. We encourage the public to call 911 or the ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE if they have information that may lead to the locating of these individuals.” – DHS.
Lawmakers including Sen. Andy Kim and Rep. Rob Menendez are assessing the facility’s conditions and scrutinizing staffing and oversight procedures. The facility’s operation without required permits has led Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to take legal action, highlighting issues within the management.
Facility Management and Public Concerns
The facility, operated under the GEO Group, faces allegations about detainee treatment, with claims supported by family members and community organizers. Meanwhile, the American Friends Service Committee has reported inadequate food portions for detainees, reflecting subpar living conditions.
“We are concerned about reports of what has transpired at Delaney Hall this evening, ranging from withholding food and poor treatment, to uprising and escaped detainees.” – Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
The escape has prompted ICE to launch a security review of the facility, potentially leading to its shutdown. Visitation has been suspended, significantly affecting detained individuals’ families during this period of heightened security concerns and public scrutiny.
