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On Thursday evening, four migrants escaped from the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility located in Newark, New Jersey, following a significant disturbance inside the building. A senior Homeland Security official confirmed the escape to Fox News.
The official stated that law enforcement agencies are actively working to locate the escapees and a Be-On-the-Look-Out notice has been issued to assist with the search.
Agitated Detainees Cause Incident
Immigration attorney Mustafa Cetin reported to NJ.com that around 50 detainees at the facility became agitated due to delayed meal services, leading them to push down a dormitory wall. This incident escalated as some detainees exhibited aggressive behavior, resulting in a violent disturbance.
Cetin indicated that one of his clients noted the wall was structurally weak. Detainees reportedly attempted to utilize bedsheets as part of their escape efforts. Additionally, they experienced a gas-like smell during this chaotic event.
Increased Law Enforcement Presence
By 6 p.m., a substantial law enforcement presence, comprising officers from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and Newark Police, had gathered outside the facility. Whitney Strub, a professor at Rutgers University-Newark, shared images of the scene, mentioning that he and others outside experienced coughing fits believed to be related to exposure to an unidentified gas.
In a further escalation, around 9 p.m., a group of protesters obstructed an SUV attempting to exit through an auxiliary gate at Delaney Hall, forcing the vehicle to retreat back into the facility.
Escapees Sighted
PIX11 News reported that the escapees were subsequently spotted running near the intersection of Turnpike 78 and Delancey Street. Local authorities are coordinating efforts to bring the individuals back into custody.
Concerns Raised by Local Officials
Mayor Ras J. Baraka of Newark expressed his concerns regarding the situation unfolding at Delaney Hall. He highlighted the reports of food withholding, subpar treatment, and the resulting escape of the detainees.
Baraka emphasized a lack of adequate oversight regarding the facility’s operations, suggesting that local zoning laws and basic constitutional rights were being overlooked. He insisted that municipal officials and congressional representatives should be granted the opportunity to monitor the situation effectively.
Moreover, he called for immediate and clear communication between the GEO Group, which operates the facility, and the Department of Homeland Security. The mayor stressed that measures must be implemented to restore order and prevent future incidents.
Recent Legal Troubles
This recent incident at Delaney Hall occurred just two days after Rep. LaMonica McIver, a Democrat from New Jersey, faced three federal charges linked to a prior visit to the facility on May 9. McIver, who was accompanied by Mayor Baraka and other officials during that visit, originally faced a trespassing charge which has since been dropped.
Call for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the four escaped migrants to immediately contact 911 or the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE. Community awareness and assistance can play a crucial role in the swift resolution of this incident.
Final Thoughts
This alarming incident underscores ongoing concerns around the treatment of detainees in private facilities and the need for increased oversight to ensure humane conditions. As law enforcement continues its search for the escapees and evaluates the broader implications of this event, local officials and community members are advocating for necessary changes in policy and practice. The situation at Delaney Hall serves as a potent reminder of the challenges faced within the immigration system and the urgent need for reforms that respect human rights.
