FBI Apprehends Two of Four Illegal Immigrants Who Fled Newark ICE Detention Center

FBI officials in Newark, New Jersey, confirmed the detention of two out of four illegal immigrants who escaped from an ICE facility. The announcement came on Sunday, revealing significant developments in a case that has drawn public attention.

The four detainees are considered public safety threats by the Department of Homeland Security. They managed to break out of Delaney Hall, a privatized ICE detention facility, on the evening of June 12.

Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez and Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada were captured by the FBI, while their accomplices—Franklin Norberto Bautista Reyes and Andres Felipe Pineda Mogollon—remain at large. Notably, all four suspects hail from Honduras.

The Department of Homeland Security is offering a reward of $10,000 for information that leads to the capture of the remaining fugitives.

Background on the Escapees

Franklin Norberto Bautista Reyes entered the United States illegally in 2021 under the Biden administration. His recent arrest by the Wayne Township Police Department on May 3 was due to multiple charges, including aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

In contrast, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez illegally entered the U.S. as a minor in 2019. He faced previous arrests, notably by the Passaic Police Department for unlawful possession of a handgun and aggravated assault.

Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, another individual involved in the escape, entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. He was arrested on May 15 by the Hammonton Police Department for various offenses, including burglary and conspiracy.

Details on Those Still Evading Capture

Andres Felipe Pineda Mogollon entered the United States in 2023 and has overstayed his tourist visa. He was arrested on April 25 in New York City for larceny, and again on May 21 by Union, New Jersey, police for residential burglary and conspiracy.

The details surrounding the escape shed light on the complex situations facing detainees in ICE facilities across the nation.

Facility Conditions Prompting Unrest

Immigration attorney Mustafa Cetin discussed a recent incident at the private detention center, where around 50 detainees expressed frustration over delayed meals. Cetin stated that tensions escalated, leading some detainees to push down a dormitory wall.

According to Cetin, the conflicts often stem from basic needs. “It’s about the food, and some of the detainees were getting aggressive, turning the situation violent,” he explained.

Protests and Disturbances on June 12

On the night of the escape, protests erupted outside Delaney Hall. A group of demonstrators managed to block an SUV attempting to leave through an ancillary gate, forcing it to reverse back into the facility.

Official Response from DHS

In light of the escape and subsequent unrest, the Department of Homeland Security disputed reports indicating widespread chaos within the facility. They affirmed their commitment to maintaining high-quality services for detainees, which include 24/7 access to medical care, legal and family visitation options, libraries, and approved meals.

The agency emphasized that they provide recreational facilities and ensure that detainees have the opportunity to practice their religious beliefs.

Looking Forward

The ongoing situation presents critical questions regarding the management of ICE facilities and the safety of public spaces. As the FBI intensifies efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives, developments will continue to unfold.

Community members and advocates for immigrant rights are closely monitoring how this incident impacts discussions around immigration policies and detention center conditions.

With heightened scrutiny on the operations of ICE facilities, observers expect calls for reform to gain momentum. The apprehension of Sandoval-Lopez and Castaneda-Lozada may provide critical insights into the broader implications of illegal immigration and public safety concerns.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and the conditions within detention facilities across the United States.

Fox News Digital’s Sandy Ibrahim, Peter Pinedo, Jasmine Baehr, and Jennifer Johnson contributed to this report.