Two out of four migrants who managed to breach a wall and flee from Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, have been recaptured, as confirmed by the FBI. According to a social media statement from the authorities, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez and Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada were back in custody as of Friday. Meanwhile, Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes and Andrés Felipe Pineda-Mogollón remain at large. The specifics of how or where Sandoval-Lopez and Castaneda-Lozada were apprehended have not been disclosed.
The four men, who entered the country illegally, have previous criminal charges from local law enforcement in New Jersey and New York, as reported by Homeland Security officials. Sandoval-Lopez, from Honduras, faced charges of unlawful firearm possession in October and aggravated assault in February. Castaneda-Lozada, a Colombian national, was accused of burglary, theft, and conspiracy.
Authorities on High Alert
Bautista-Reyes, also from Honduras, was detained for aggravated assault, attempted bodily harm, making terroristic threats, and a weapons offense. Pineda-Mogollón, from Colombia, faced minor theft and burglary charges. The FBI has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Bautista-Reyes and Pineda-Mogollón, who are still on the run.
The escape from Delaney Hall occurred on a Thursday night amidst rising tensions and complaints about poor detention conditions, which also sparked protests outside the facility. The breakout took place against a backdrop of unrest both inside and outside the detention center, prompting an immediate response from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Public Safety Concerns
The DHS has labeled the escapees as "public safety threats," emphasizing the urgency in recapturing them. The department described them as "illegal foreign criminals currently evading federal law enforcement." The agency stated that the four were considered high-risk and were under custody awaiting immigration or criminal proceedings.
A coordinated operation involving the DHS, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies has been launched to locate the fugitives. Alerts have been sent to all local police departments, and the fugitives' names, photographs, and charges have been widely disseminated.
FAQs on the Immigration Detention Escape
What led to the escape from Delaney Hall?
The escape was reportedly facilitated by breaching a wall, amidst growing unrest and complaints about poor detention conditions at the facility.
Who are the fugitives still at large?
Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes and Andrés Felipe Pineda-Mogollón are the two individuals still on the run, and a reward is being offered for information leading to their capture.
What actions are being taken to recapture the escapees?
A coordinated effort by the DHS, FBI, and local law enforcement is underway, including alerts and dissemination of the fugitives' information.